Eddie Redmayne could be the next big star of the Harry Potter world, as he enters talks for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
According to Variety, the 33-year-old actor is currently being pursued to lead the upcoming Harry Potter spin-off as the character, Newt Scamander.
“Eddie Redmayne has been offered the role of Newt Scamander in Warner Bros.’ Harry Potter spinoff Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” they revealed. “Though director David Yates may be considering a few other actors, it’s looking like Redmayne has the inside track.”
Of course, the upcoming Harry Potter spin-off is based on the fictional textbook of the same name which appears within the Harry Potter saga.
Set in New York roughly 70 years before the original series, the upcoming spin-off follows the adventures of Newt Scamander – the author of the textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Described as a ‘magiczoologist’, Scamander studies magical creatures in the Harry Potter universe… and the upcoming feature film stars Scamander alongside four others – two male and two female roles.
“Redmayne was the front-runner for the role and was intrigued but wanted a finished script before committing,” said Variety. “Insiders say that now that the script has been delivered, he is very happy with what he has read.”
But will Redmayne eventually accept the role?
“Yates and the studio were expected to meet next week for the two female leads but wanted to make sure Redmayne was locked up before those tests began.”
While it sounds as though it’s almost a done deal, it also seems that Warner Bros. are being cautious. So for now, we’ll have to wait and see.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them heads to cinemas on 18 November 2016.
Do you think Eddie Redmayne would make a great Newt Scamander? Would anyone else be better in the role? Let us know what you think in the comments below…
