Eddie Redmayne tipped for Harry Potter spinoff

In 2013, it was confirmed that JK Rowling would script the much awaited spinoff to the Harry Potter series, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and it now looks as though the film has it’s lead star too as Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne has emerged as the surprise frontrunner to take on the part.

David Yates is on board to direct the film, which is set 70 years before the events of the Potter books. The narrative centers around Newton Artemis Fido Scamander, a fictitious author. In Potter lore, Scamander compiled a reference guide to magical beasts, and the movies will follow his adventures after he is commissioned to write the tome.

According to Hollywood Reporter, Redmayne, will play Scamander but has had no offer at this stage although is believed to be Warner Studios’ number one choice.

Unsurprisingly, Warner refused to comment on the speculation.