Eddie Redmayne was filmmakers' first choice for 'Fantastic Beasts'

Actor Eddie Redmayne was the first choice for filmmakers in the role of

Newt Scamander

in the 'Fantastic Beasts' movies. Director David Yates said no one else was even considered for the role of the 1920s 'magizoologist'.


"Eddie is quintessentially British, and an actor for all times, who can play a character from any time," the '

Harry Potter

' filmmaker said.

'Eddie is brilliant at getting under a character's skin and exploring every detail of a role, yet all that effort is invisible. All you see here is Newt, an outsider who is somewhat knotty but winning and engaging, someone you immediately invest in.'