Eddie Redmayne's Newt Scamander may not lead all Fantastic Beasts movies

In an intriguing twist in the recently birthed ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ franchise, it’s emerged that our hero, Newt Scamander, may not be a permanent fixture.

Producer David Heyman, who was also the man behind the Harry Potter movies, has suggested that Eddie Redmayne’s character is likely to be sidelined for future movies.

Speaking to Cinema Blend, he said: “I don’t think [Newt will be at] the heart of all of them. I think he’ll be part – so will Tina, Queenie and Jacob – will be part of the next one.

“I’ve heard that Dumbledore has been confirmed, too. And Credence and Grindelwald. I think they will be the main players.”

There are five David Yates-directed movies planned in all, including this first instalment, with J.K. Rowling taking on her first role as screenwriter.

So while Redmayne is in it for the long haul, it sounds like he’s not going to become the franchise’s Daniel Radcliffe.

Indeed, casting is in progress for the young Dumbledore, who will tussle with Johnny Depp’s Grindelwald, seen in a cameo performance in this first movie.

So far, it’s topped the worldwide box office, scooping $180 million (£144 million) – though it’s fallen short of the ‘Harry Potter’ movies’ debut weekends.

Starring Redmayne as the magizoologist Newt Scamander, as referenced in the Potter movies, it’s set in 1920s New York, and also stars Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Colin Farrell, Jon Voight, Ezra Miller and Alison Sudol.

It’s out now across the UK.

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