Eddie Redmayne Joins the Cast of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

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If you've ever thought that Eddie Redmayne would fit snuggly into the Harry Potter universe, don't worry, J.K. Rowling and the people in charge of casting for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them agree with you. Redmayne has been cast to play Newt Scamander, the main character in the Harry Potter spin-off trilogy.

Redmayne's character is the leading authority on magical creatures in the Wizarding World. Scamandar is also the author of some of the textbooks that Harry, Ron, and Hermione had to read at Hogwarts.

"Eddie Redmayne has emerged as one of today's most extraordinarily talented and acclaimed actors," said Greg Silverman, president of creative development and worldwide production of Warner Bros. Pictures. "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."

Rowling will write the script herself, and David Yates, who directed the last four Potter films, will be by her side. Fantastic Beasts is slated for a November 18, 2016 release.