‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ Officially Casts Eddie Redmayne

Just last week we heard reports about some of the actresses auditioning for the Harry Potter spinoff (including Kate Upton because sure, why not), and now they have officially landed their leading man. Eddie Redmayne has been confirmed as the first actual cast member in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, in which he’ll play the lead role of Newt Scarmander. He kind of looks like a Newt Scarmander, though, doesn’t he?

The Wrap reports that WB has officially cast recent Oscar-winner Redmayne as Scarmander in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The spinoff is based on the fictional textbook created by J.K. Rowling as a companion piece to the Harry Potter franchise — the book was featured in both the Harry Potter novels and films, and was “written” by renowned wizard and magiczoologist Newt Scarmander.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them takes place in New York, 70 years before Harry Potter attended Hogwarts. Scarmander discovers many magical beasts and creatures throughout his adventures, which will span a planned trilogy of films — the first will arrive in theaters on November 8, 2016, with the other two films arriving in 2018 and 2020.

J.K. Rowling is making her screenwriting debut on the first film, which is set to be directed by Harry Potter franchise helmer David Yates. Last week, it was reported that WB has begun testing actresses for two leading roles, including Saoirse Ronan, Dakota Fanning, Elizabeth Debicki and Kate Upton.