Eddie Redmayne Officially Confirmed For HARRY POTTER Spin-Off FANTASTIC BEASTS

After weeks of rumors, Warner Bros. has made it official: Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne will topline the studio's Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Author J.K. Rowling is making her screenwriting debut with the film, which follows the character of Newt Scamander (Redmayne), the world's preeminent magizoologist and author of a book about the creatures of the wizarding world that eventually becomes required reading for Harry Potter and his friends at Hogwarts. This story takes place 70 years before Harry's begins, and is set in New York City. David Yates, who helmed the last four Potter movies, is returning to direct, and the latest casting rumors indicate that people like Kate Upton and Dakota Fanning are up for supporting roles.

Yates had this to say about Redmayne's casting:

“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 in J.K. Rowling’s wonderful world, and I know she feels the same way.”

I don't know much about Newt Scamander, but Redmayne is unquestionably a talented actor and I'm sure diehard Potter fans will be thrilled to return to the wizarding world when Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them opens on November 18th, 2016.