Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Ezra Miller 'joining film as possible baddie'
The Snape lookalike could play a rival to Redmayne's Newt Scamander
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
Ezra Miller is reported to be in early talks to star in JK Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them alongside Eddie Redmayne and Katherine Waterston.
The We Need to Talk About Kevin actor is allegedly being lined up to play a male supporting lead in Warner Bros’ Harry Potter spin-off.
Reports suggest he will either play Kredan, a character with magical powers who encounters protagonist Newt Scamander when he stops in New York, or Jacob, a secondary lead to Redmayne.
Details about Jacob’s character are scarce, but given Miller’s Snape-like looks it is reported he could be a villain or arch rival to Scamander.
Based on a 42-page textbook set for Hogwarts pupils published in 2001, Fantastic Beasts follows the adventures of Scamander, the author of the book, who dedicates his life to the search for magical creatures in an “extension” of Potter's fantastical world.
The film will begin in New York, seventy years before Harry Potter’s story begins.
Rowling has said the film, which she is writing the screenplay for, is “neither a prequel nor a sequel to the Harry Potter series”.
She has however hinted that Scamander will meet pupils who were educated at an American Hogwarts.
Inherent Vice actress Waterston will play a witch called Porpentina who, like Kredan, encounters Scamander when he stops in New York on his travels.
The Harry Potter franchise remains the most successful in history, having grossed a massive $7.7 billion in worldwide box office earnings.
Warner Bros has confirmed that Fantastic Beasts is scheduled for worldwide release on 18 November 2016.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments