Eddie Redmayne roped in for 'Harry Potter' spin-off

Los Angeles: Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne is all set to play the lead in "Harry Potter" spin-off "Future Beasts and Where to Find Them".

The British actor, who won numerous accolades including an Academy Award for his performance as Stephen Hawking in "The Theory of Everything", will essay Newt Scamander in the "Harry Potter" spin-off, reports aceshowbiz.com. 

"Eddie Redmayne has emerged as one of today's most extraordinarily talented and acclaimed actors," Warner Bros Pictures' President of Creative Development and Worldwide Production Greg Silverman said.

"We are thrilled to welcome him into J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World, where we know he will deliver a remarkable performance as Newt Scamander, the central character in 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'," Silverman added.