Eddie Redmayne Entering the Wizarding World

Fans of the Wizarding World need no longer wonder who will bring to life preeminent magizoologist Newt Scamander. Academy Award-winning actor Eddie Redmayne has been cast in the much-anticipated wizarding world adventure Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. 

Scamander is a famed, well-traveled magizoologist (one who studies magical creatures) who goes on to pen the Hogwarts School textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them—required reading for all hopeful wizards. He is, of course, an alumnus of Hogwarts himself.

The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President of Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Warner Bros. Pictures. He said of Redmayne's casting:

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.

J.K. Rowling, who is making her screenwriting debut with the film, developed the character of Scamander in the Harry Potter series and will be able to further explore his character and the entire wizarding world in Fantastic Beasts.

Director David Yates, best known for helming the last four Potter films and will also direct Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, praised Redmayne by stating, “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.”