‘Fantastic Beasts’: First Look At Eddie Redmayne As Newt Scamander

Eddie Redmayne is one fantastic-looking beast in his newest film role!

Entertainment Weekly has unveiled the first photos of the Oscar-winning actor in “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” the anticipated “Harry Potter” prequel from franchise mastermind J.K. Rowling.

The “Theory of Everything” star portrays Newt Scamander, “world-famous magiozoologist” and textbook author whose work Harry Potter and his fellow budding wizards eventually study at Hogwarts.

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Eddie dons dapper menswear for the mag’s cover image, released on Wednesday. His teal-colored peacoat and three-piece tweed suit complement the character and time period, but “Potter” fanatics will likely be more interested in learning more about the magic wand and “pivotal briefcase” he’s carrying, as well as the ornate, mysterious entryway behind him.

Set in 1920s New York City, the story gives fans their first peek at Rowling’s Wizarding
World outside the UK, following Newt’s adventures at the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA). The art deco-inspired institution is reportedly the U.S. equivalent of Britain’s Ministry of Magic and hidden in plain sight in the Big Apple’s Woolworth building.

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“Beasts” is the inaugural film in a planned spin-off trilogy, and also marks Rowling’s
first outing as a screenwriter.

Co-starring Colin Farrell, Ezra Miller, Samantha Morton, Katherine Waterston and Jon Voight, and directed by “Harry Potter” veteran David Yates, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” will hit theaters on Nov. 18, 2016.

— Erin Biglow