Eddie Redmayne has been confirmed to star as ‘magizoologist’ Newt Scamander in upcoming HARRY POTTER spin-off FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM.
The Oscar-winning actor will take the lead in the Warner Bros movie trilogy, which will mark author JK Rowling‘s screenwriting debut. David Yates has been announced as director after his work on the final four HARRY POTTER films.
“Eddie Redmayne has emerged as one of today’s most extraordinarily talented and acclaimed actors,” Warner Bros’ Greg Silverman said. “We are thrilled to welcome him into JK Rowling’s Wizarding World where we know he will deliver a remarkable performance.”
Yates added that he “couldn’t be more excited about the prospect of working with [Redmayne]”. “Eddie is a fearless actor, brimming with invention, wit and humanity.”Â
Based on a 42-page textbook set for Hogwarts pupils and published in 2001, FANTASTIC BEASTS follows the adventures of Scamander, who dedicates his life to the search for magical creatures in an “extension” of Potter’s fantastical world.
The release date for the first film is slated for November 18th, 2016, two days before the 15th anniversary of Rowling’s first book, Harry Potter and the Philosophical Stone. The subsequent movies are currently planned for 2018 and 2020.
