Eddie Redmayne to star in 'Harry Potter' spin-off trilogy?

LOS ANGELES: Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne is reportedly the front runner for the role of Newt Scamander in the " Harry Potter" spin-off trilogy, "Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them".

Author JK Rowling makes her screenwriting debut with the project, reported Deadline.

David Yates is directing the Warner Bros film, which is slated to open on November 18, 2016.

Other actors are under consideration but Redmayne, 33, reportedly tops the list, though he has not seen a finished script. Warner Bros had no comment on the news.