UPDATE: The BBC confirms that Eddie Redmayne will play the lead role of Newton Scamander in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Rejoice, Potter fans!
J.K. Rowling may have found her next leading man.
Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne is said to be the first choice for the lead role in Rowling's latest big-screen adaptation, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Redmayne would play Newton Artemis Fido Scamander in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, a Harry Potter spinoff that takes place 70 years before the Potter series started.
Rowling is writing the script for the David Yates-helmed film, but the screenplay is still in progress. Redmayne has yet to see a final version of the script, and will not confirm a role until that happens. No pressure, J.K.
Fantastic Beasts follows Scamander as he sets to work on a guide to mythical beasts, work that triggers a series of adventures. The Warner Bros. project is planned to be a trilogy, which would be a major commitment for Redmayne.
Fingers crossed the script meets the actor's expectations. If we can't have Daniel Radcliffe, we'd love to get Eddie Redmayne.
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