Eddie Redmayne to play Newt Scamander in Harry Potter spin-off film Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them

It has been confirmed that The Theory Of Everything actor Eddie Redmayne will be portraying Newt Scamander in a Harry Potter spin-off set to come out sometime in 2016.

The announcement was made by Warner Bros Pictures on Twitter, where it revealed his casting by tweeting: "Oscar winner #EddieRedmayne enters the Wizarding World as Newt Scamander in #FantasticBeasts and Where to Find Them."

The film will be based upon the 2001 book of the same name by JK Rowling and will centre on magizoologist and fictional author Scamander who, within the realms of the story, is said to have written the magical creature guide Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them over his career as a renowned wizarding naturalist. The details and discoveries within the book are meant to have taken place 70 years prior to the events in the well-known Potter saga.

David Yates, who directed the last four cinema adaptations in the blockbuster series, will return to the franchise for the upcoming film, whilst the screenplay will be left to Rowling, marking her first time officially on the writing side of a film version of one of her literary works.

The news has generally pleased avid Harry Potter fans, many confident that the Oscar-winner will do both the well-loved character and the book, justice.

It's not just fans that are delighted that Redmayne has come aboard the movie. Speaking about Redmayne's involvement in the project, Yates revealed that he "couldn't be more excited about the prospect of working with him." He added that "Eddie is a fearless actor, brimming with invention, wit and humanity."

Equally as pleased about Redmayne being named as the film's lead, Warner Bros. President of Creative Development and Worldwide Production Greg Silverman stated: "Eddie Redmayne has emerged as one of today's most extraordinarily talented and acclaimed actors. We are thrilled to welcome him into JK Rowling's Wizarding World, where we know he will deliver a remarkable performance."

Despite still being in the pre-production stages, two sequels have been already been announced, with the second aiming for release sometime in 2018 and the third instalment expected to hit cinemas two years later in 2020.