Variety has learned that Academy Award-winner Eddie Redmayne (The Theory Of Everything) is currently the frontrunner to land the lead role in Warner Bros.' Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them. The role he's up for is that of Newt Scamander, a magiczoologist, which in the wizarding world of Harry Potter is a person who studies magical creatures. David Yates (Harry Potter 5, 6, 7-P1, 7-P2) is still attached to direct and author and Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling is set to make her screenwriting debut with the highly anticipated film, which is expected to expand into at least a new trilogy.
The role is currently Redmayne's to lose, but rumor has it that Nicholas Hoult (X-Men: Days Of Future Past) is also someone the studio has considered for the part. In addition to casting Scamander, the studio is actively looking to cast four other main roles: two American boys and two American girls.
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Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them hits theaters November 18, 2016