Eddie Redmayne: 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' Favorite

Eddie Redmayne might be taking the lead in the upcoming Harry Potter spin-off, according to Variety.

The 33-year-old Academy Award winning actor is the first choice to play the lead role of Newt Scamander in the trilogy, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Eddie Redmayne

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling will be taking her first shot at screenwriting debut for the films.

“Although it will be set in the worldwide community of witches and wizards where I was so happy for 17 years, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is neither a prequel nor a sequel to the Harry Potter series but an extension of the wizarding world,” J.K. has said about the trilogy.