Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them seemed to have found its star recently, with Eddie Redmayne linked to the film and the lead role, Newt Scamander. However, there may be more to this news than you'd think, and it's possible an old contender might still be up for a major Fantastic Beasts role- Matt Smith.
Smith, world-famous for his role as The Doctor on Doctor Who, was originally rumored for a major Fantastic Beasts role but nothing official ever came of it. Apparently, his name was linked to the film and his massive online fanbase (because of Doctor Who) began arguing that he deserved the role, but he was never cast in any official capacity. This summer, Smith can be seen in Terminator Genisys, in a secretive role that's rumored to be a crucial part of the film.
However, he's not the only person who's been linked to the role of Newt Scamander, who in Harry Potter lore was a wizard with an affinity for magical beasts who studied them and wrote a textbook that was quite popular in the Harry Potter stories- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (which, obviously, is also the movie's title). Luke Newberry, who stars in In the Flesh, has also been linked to the role, but also because of fanbases and not through any official capacity by Warner Bros.
Although Newberry's definitely excited about the film, saying:
"Of course! It would be incredible just to be considered for that role," he said to RadioTimes.com. "It's a world that I'm familiar with and love - I love Harry Potter - so yes I'm very grateful to my fans for thinking of me, it's a great honour... Yes, yes, I'd love to!"
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is also setting up for an IMAX release, which should be of great use to the effects work used to bring the film's magical creatures to life.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will premiere in theaters on November 18, 2016.
Join the Conversation