Redmayne takes reins of ‘Fantastic Beasts’

By Jake Coyle

AP Film Writer

NEW YORK

After spending two straight falls consumed by awards season, Eddie Redmayne is taking a break from the Oscars and fronting his first franchise.

In the Harry Potter prequel “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” the mantle of J.K. Rowling’s leading man has been passed from Radcliffe to Redmayne. His Newt Scamander also wields a wand, but he’s a humbler operator in the same magical realm. Newt is a sheepish Brit arriving in 1926 New York, with a leather case stuffed with wondrous but outlawed creatures.

Though the film, which also stars Colin Farrell, Katherine Waterson and Dan Fogler, is an ensemble, Redmayne is undoubtedly the freckled face of the new Pottermania. It’s a new, high-pressured role for Redmayne, an Oscar winner for his Stephen Hawking in “The Theory of Everything” and a nominee for last year’s “The Danish Girl.”

Q. How did “Fantastic Beasts” come to you?

A. It came in the most wonderfully cryptic, slightly sort of Harry Potter-y way. I got a call saying that (director) David Yates wanted to meet. We met at a club called in London. I went downstairs and I found David sitting by a roaring fire. I think I was working on “The Danish Girl” so I came from there. He just gently started telling me this story and introducing me to who Newt Scamander was.

Q. What did Rowling tell you about Newt?

A. We had a discussion two weeks before filming. It was the first time I met her. She told me where Newt came from in her imagination and aspects of her own life. It was a really wonderful conversation and galvanizing conversation.

Q. Rowling plans five “Fantastic Beasts” films. Will you be around for all of them?

A. In my heart of hearts, I don’t know. I’m contracted to a few more but they always contract you to more in case you’re needed.