Matt Smith to star in 'Harry Potter' spin-off?

LOS ANGELES: British actor Matt Smith is reportedly being considered for the role of Newt Scamander in much-awaited " Harry Potter" spin-off, " Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them".

The 32-year-old actor's fans have started launching a petition to land him the part, reported Aceshowbiz.

While neither the actor nor Warner Bros has officially addressed the mounting reports, it has been reported that Smith is the "favourite" to play the part.

Shooting of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" has been planned to be kicked off this summer in London with David Yates on board directing. The movie is slated for November 18, 2016 release date.

Back in 2014, producer David Heyman revealed the script for the upcoming flick was "sublime." He had said, "It's funny, it's vivid, it's exciting. It's filled with all the hallmarks of (Rowling's) incredible imagination."