The next trip to the world we know from Harry Potter is only a year and some change away. J.K. Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the first installment of a trilogy, is on the schedule for November 18, 2016. David Yates is returning to the magical universe to direct, but the cast isn’t in place yet. Or if it is, no one has been officially announced. Eddie Redmayne is said to have the lead role of Newt Scamander, and TheWrap has shared the shortlist of actresses under consideration for female leads for the trilogy. The news also gives us some insight into other characters in the films.
But first, let’s review what we know about Fantastic Beasts. Rowling has said the story will kick off in New York around 1920. That’s several decades before Harry Potter was born. Newt Scamander is the main character, and he’s a world traveler who has been researching magic creatures. That’s basically it.
But now, we have an idea about other characters. Maybe. TheWrap and Justin Kroll of Variety say three roles have shortlists: Tina, Queenie, and Jacob.
Saoirse Ronan, Dakota Fanning, Lili Simmons and Alison Sudol are being considered for Tina.
Kate Upton, Katherine Waterston and Elizabeth Debicki are possibilities for Tina’s older sister Queenie.
Steve Zisis, Zack Pearlman, and Dan Fogler are up for the role of Jacob, Newt’s rival.
Like I said, not so shabby. I’m intrigued by many of these names—especially Ronan—and hope we learn more details about the characters soon so we can speculate about all the things. What are your thoughts so far? Let me know in the comments.
[HT: TheWrap, Justin Kroll]
