He’s been the frontrunner for some time now, but Warner Bros. has finally confirmed today that Eddie Redmayne will play Newt Scamander in the anticipated Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
The actor will be the Wizarding World’s preeminent magizoologist, who in his travels has encountered and documented a myriad of magical creatures, ultimately leading to his penning the Hogwarts School textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The movie will be set decades before Harry Potter.
In making the announcement, Greg Silverman, President of Development and Worldwide Production said: “Eddie Redmayne has emerged as one of today’s most extraordinarily talented and acclaimed actors. We are thrilled to welcome him into J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, where we know he will deliver a remarkable performance as Newt Scamander, the central character in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”
Making her screenwriting debut on the film, J.K. Rowling has developed the character of Scamander and his primer to further explore the unique wizarding world she has crafted in print and bring it to life on screen.
David Yates, who directed the last four Harry Potter films and will direct Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, stated, “Eddie is a fearless actor, brimming with invention, wit and humanity. I couldn’t be more excited about the prospect of working with him as we start this new adventure in J.K. Rowling’s wonderful world, and I know she feels the same way.” The film is being produced by Harry Potter’s David Heyman.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is set for release in 3D and IMAX on November 18, 2016.
