Harry Potter Spin-Off “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” moves ahead with Eddie Redmayne to play the lead

Looks like Warner Bros. Pictures is indeed moving ahead with its much-anticipated wizarding world adventure “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” which is a spin-off from the Harry Potter universe, because now, Academy Award-winning actor Eddie Redmayne has been cast as Newt Scamander. [hit the jump to continue]

Scamander is 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 announcement was made by Greg Silverman, President of Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Warner Bros. Pictures. He 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—taken from her globally beloved Harry Potter series—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.”

Warner Bros. Pictures has slated “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” for worldwide release in 3D and IMAX on November 18, 2016.
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