Who will play Newt Scamander? Ask David Heyman…
After refusing to comment a few weeks ago on the possibility of his involvement with the film, Potter series producer David Heyman confirmed earlier this week that he will be producing J.K. Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
What we are about to reveal is mere speculation regarding casting for the screenplay that J.K. Rowling is currently penning for the Warner Bros. Potter-verse spinoff.
Producer David Heyman was open to suggestions from Vulture writer Jennifer Vinyard at a Peggy Siegal luncheon on Tuesday and gave his responses to questions and casting suggestions.
David made sure to make it clear that the process for casting has not started, yet, saying, “Honestly, we haven’t begun because [Rowling] has got to write the script! But it’s fun to start thinking about it!”
Here’s some of the conversation that took place between David and Jennifer from Vulture.
“Hogwarts – will we see a return to the school, perhaps seeing Newt there for various reasons, like consults or talking school reform or relations with [the] headmaster of the day like Phineas Black?” David says, “Yes, he would be.” Score one for Vulture‘s interview queen.
This line of questioning left a glorious gem for us to think about… “Will Dumbledore make an appearance?” David says, “It could still be Michael Gambon, [even if Dumbledore were younger]. But I like that. A little wink is a good idea.” Let’s start crossing our fingers for Dumbledore to return for a scene or two!
David then turned the table on those now paying attention to the impromptu casting session and asked them a question instead. “Who should play Newt? Please, I need all the help I can get!”
Among those suggested by Vulture for the titular character to bring Fantastic Beasts to life:
• Dev Patel (“He’s a really good actor,” Heyman agreed.)
• Thomas Brodie-Sangster, despite the fact that he’s playing another character named Newt in The Maze Runner (“I know him. He’s excellent.”)
• Jack Gleeson, who’s said he wants to go into academia after his reign as King Joffrey on Game of Thrones ends but perhaps could be convinced to play an academic instead (“How old is he?” Heyman asked. “Newt is a tiny bit older.”)
• Bret McKenzie, who is much older but can play younger (“He’s really good.”)
• And if they wanted to promote from within, Harry Melling, who originally played Dudley Dursley but has thinned out considerably as he’s grown up, which is why he was wearing a fat suit in Deathly Hallows (“He’s a really good actor, and I love his work, but that’s a little more difficult because he’s been Dudley.”)
Finally, as the chat ended, Alfonso Cuarón happened by, and it all became clear. “What if Alfonso were to direct Fantastic Beasts?”
Let your theories run wild, MuggleNetters – nothing is set in stone. After all, these are just theories. And many thanks to Vulture, for providing us with such great information!