First comes and Oscar, then comes a franchise... or at least that’s how it works for Eddie Redmayne. Even though he’s already been linked to Warner Bros.’ Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, he is now definitely in talks to star in the new franchise.
Last month, it was first reported that the Theory of Everything star was Warner Bros.’ top choice to play Newt Scamander, the author of the fictional guide to beasts in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter universe. Now, Variety is reporting that Warner Bros. is getting their wish as talks with Redmayne have begun.
Variety’s sources say that Redmayne has already read Rowling’s script for the first film in the planned trilogy and was happy with the results.
David Yates, who directed the final four Potter films, is expected to direct the first Fantastic Beasts movie. There are also two female roles, which have yet to be cast.
Redmayne won an Oscar for his performance as Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything and will try to win another with The Danish Girl. That movie, directed by Les Miserables’ Tom Hooper, hits theaters in November. Redmayne also appeared in Warner Bros.’ Jupiter Ascending earlier this year.
The first Fantastic Beasts movie is set to open in November 2018.
for more movie news, follow Daniel on Twitter
image courtesy of Z15/ACE/INFphoto.com