Eddie Redmayne, the Oscar-winning star of The Theory of Everything, is reportedly in talks to play the lead role of Newt Scamander in Fantastic Beast and Where to Find them.
Redmayne has long been rumored as Warner Bros.? first choice for the role, and the new report suggests that a formal offer has been made and negotiations begun.
The film is set in the same world as the Harry Potter series, though creator J.K. Rowling ? who is writing the script ? has stated that is neither a direct prequel nor sequel to the films. The title refers to the textbook written by Scamander, which Harry and his classmates use during their years at Hogwarts. The film series, currently expected to get the trilogy treatment, will follow Scamander?s life and adventures in writing the book, 70 years before Harry Potter was born.
David Yates, who directed the latter half of the Harry Potter film series, is returning to direct Fantastic Beasts. The film is expected for release on November 18, 2016.??
