UPDATED: Variety reports Eddie Redmayne may be Newt Scamander
Update (May 12, 2015):
According to Variety, supposed front-runner for Newt Scamander Eddie Redmayne has read the script for Fantastic Beasts – and loved it.
Although WB has declined to comment on the story, Variety is reporting that:
Redmayne was the front-runner for the role and was intrigued by the part but wanted to wait for a finished script before committing. Insiders say that now that the script has been delivered, he is very happy with what he has read.
Variety goes even further, saying that Redmayne has officially been offered the role. If Variety’s sources are correct, we’ll likely be hearing some official news very soon. We’ll keep you posted!
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Update (April 16, 2015):
The Hollywood Reporter has reported that while Eddie is the studio’s top choice for the role, and they would love to see him take the part, the script is not complete, so Eddie will not commit yet.
Redmayne has been the FANTASTIC BEASTS choice 4 weeks but there's 1 problem: script is still being worked on by Rowling. He hasn't read it.
— Borys Kit (@Borys_Kit) April 10, 2015
The site also reports that some of the other characters in the script will include Newt’s two sisters, their parents, and a character called Jacob.
The Fantastic Beasts book had no characters but the movie will have not only Scamander but 2 sisters, their parents, and someone called
— Borys Kit (@Borys_Kit) April 10, 2015
Jacob.
— Borys Kit (@Borys_Kit) April 10, 2015
It is not known yet how big of a role these characters will have in the films, but let’s hope that we’ll learn more about this development and these new characters soon! Hopefully, the script will be finished soon, and more will be revealed – keep a look out for any developments on MuggleNet.
Do you think these rumors might be true?
If Eddie were to play Newt, whom would you like to be cast alongside him? Let us know in the comments!
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Original story (April 10, 2015):
Variety is reporting that sources have told them that Eddie Redmayne, the star of The Theory of Everything, is the current front-runner to play the lead in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Says Variety:
Sources tell Variety that Redmayne is the favorite to play Newt Scamander in Warner Bros.’ hotly anticipated ‘Harry Potter’ spin-off, ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’.
Redmayne recently wrapped Tom Hooper’s ‘The Danish Girl’ and has yet to receive an official offer. Director David Yates is still also considering a few other actors for the part, but the role, according to sources, is Redmayne’s to lose.
WB has yet to comment on this development, but we’ll let you know of any official announcements as we hear of them.
The most recent rumors previous to this announcement labeled Doctor Who star Matt Smith as the frontrunner for the role. And Variety also states in its piece that the studio has considered actor Nicholas Hoult.
What do you think of Eddie for Newt?
