Actor Eddie Redmayne could soon be joining the wizarding world as the Oscar-winning actor has been set to star as Newt Scamander in "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'
According to Variety, "The Theory of Everything' actor will be joining the cast in the "Harry Potter' spinoff project, which is the first movie in the planned trilogy.
"Fantastic Beasts' marks the screenwriting debut of "Harry Potter' author J.K. Rowling and seats David Yates in the director's chair.
Its story, which is drawn out from the Hogwarts textbook of the same name, focuses on a magizoologist named Scamander whose story surprisingly starts in New York City at least seven decades before the events in the "Harry Potter' books and films took place.
"Although it will be set in the worldwide community of witches and wizards where I was so happy for seventeen years, 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' is neither a prequel nor a sequel to the Harry Potter series, but an extension of the wizarding world," Rowling explained during the announcement of the spinoff film.
A month ago, Redmayne had only been running for the part with which he was reportedly rivaled by Nicholas Hoult and Matt Smith.
However, Variety has already cited sources stating that the actor preferred to read the script before joining the project. After reportedly expressing his approval, the casting process for "Fantastic Beasts' moves forward and it is now expected that Redmayne might be leading the film.
Aside from Redmayne, four American cast members including two males and two females are yet to be selected.
The 33-year-old actor's credits already include "Les Miserables', "My Week with Marilyn' and "Jupiter Ascending.' After starring in "The Theory of Everything', Redmayne earned an Academy Award for his astounding performance as physicist Stephen Hawking. He is also set to star next in "The Danish Girl' helmed by Tom Hooper.
"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' has been set for an official release in theaters on November 18, 2016. Adapted into a trilogy feature, the two other films will make its debut in 2018 and 2020.
"The experience of conjuring up these worlds is such fun. So to do it with [Rowling] and with Steve Kloves and Lionel Wigram is involved too, and with David Yates, and Stuart Craig will be designing it - it's great. It's exciting. And it's a great world to return to," producer David Heyman shared.
