Academy Award-winning actorEddie Redmaynehas been cast as Newt Scamander in Warner Bros. Pictures' much-anticipated wizarding world adventureFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President of Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Warner Bros. Pictures. Redmayne will playJ.K. Rowling’s creation Newt Scamander, the Wizarding World’s preeminent magizoologist, who in his travels has encountered and documented a myriad of magical creatures, ultimately leading to his penning the Hogwarts School textbookFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Here’s what Greg Silverman had to say about the casting in a statement.
“Eddie Redmaynehas emerged as one of today’s most extraordinarily talented and acclaimed actors. We are thrilled to welcome him intoJ.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, where we know he will deliver a remarkable performance as Newt Scamander, the central character inFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”
Making her screenwriting debut on the film,J.K. Rowlinghas developed the character of Scamander and his primer-taken from her globally belovedHarry Potterseries-to further explore the unique wizarding world she has crafted in print and bring it to life on screen.David Yates, who directed the last fourHarry Potterfilms and will directFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, had this to say in his statement.
“Eddie is a fearless actor, brimming with invention, wit and humanity. I couldn’t be more excited about the prospect of working with him as we start this new adventure inJ.K. Rowling’s wonderful world, and I know she feels the same way.”
The film is being produced byDavid Heyman, producer of all eight of the blockbusterHarry Potterfeatures;J.K. Rowling;Steve Kloves, who scripted all but one of theHarry Potterfilms; andLionel Wigram, who served as an executive producer on the last four installments of the franchise.
Eddie Redmayne won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in the 2014 biopicThe Theory of Everything. His stunning portrayal ofStephen Hawkingin that film also brought him Screen Actors Guild, BAFTA and Golden Globe Awards. In 2012, Redmayne starred as Marius inTom Hooper’s screen adaptation of the hit musicalLes Miserables, withHugh Jackman,Anne Hathaway,Russell CroweandAmanda Seyfried. In 2010, Redmayne won a Tony Award for his performance in “Red,” which marked his Broadway debut. On screen, he next stars in Hooper’s true-life dramaThe Danish Girl, due out this November. Warner Bros. Pictures has slatedFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Themfor worldwide release in 3D and IMAX on June 30, 2025.
