Warner Bros. confirmed today via press release that Eddie Redmayne will be playing Newt Scamander in the upcoming Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them films. The first film is set to be released on November 18th 2016.

Academy Award-winning actor Eddie Redmayne has been cast as Newt Scamander in Warner Bros. Pictures’ much-anticipated wizarding world adventure “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President of Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Redmayne will play J.K. Rowling’s creation Newt Scamander, the Wizarding World’s preeminent magizoologist, who in his travels has encountered and documented a myriad of magical creatures, ultimately leading to his penning the Hogwarts School textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

In making the announcement, Silverman said, “Eddie Redmayne has emerged as one of today’s most extraordinarily talented and acclaimed actors. 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.’”

Making her screenwriting debut on the film, J.K. Rowling has developed the character of Scamander and his primer—taken from her globally beloved Harry Potter series—to further explore the unique wizarding world she has crafted in print and bring it to life on screen.

David Yates, who directed the last four “Harry Potter” films and will direct “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” stated, “Eddie is a fearless actor, brimming with invention, wit and humanity. I couldn’t be more excited about the prospect of working with him as we start this new adventure in J.K. Rowling’s wonderful world, and I know she feels the same way.”

The film is being produced by David Heyman, producer of all eight of the blockbuster “Harry Potter” features; J.K. Rowling; Steve Kloves, who scripted all but one of the “Harry Potter” films; and Lionel Wigram, who served as an executive producer on the last four installments of the franchise.

Warner Bros. Pictures has slated “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” for worldwide release in 3D and IMAX on November 18, 2016.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood announced earlier today that they would be adding a new attraction, Stage 48: Script to Screen, to the tour. This section will include a Harry Potter broom riding simulator, just like at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. According to the site:

We are pleased to introduce a major expansion coming to our Studio Tour opening July 16, 2015– Stage 48: Script to Screen.

This innovative new addition to the Studio Tour, Stage 48: Script to Screen offers guests the unique opportunity to explore the full film and television production process – from the earliest scripts and casting sessions to the final touches in post-production and the glory of awards season, each component is represented step-by-step throughout the purpose-built soundstage. Among Stage 48’s various interactive elements exclusive to the Studio Tour is the opportunity for guests to re-enact a scene from “Friends” right on the iconic Central Perk set. Guests will also be able to design their own Batmobiles and movie costumes while in the pre-production section. Guests will enjoy “flying” on Harry’s broomstick at the photo opportunity, which employs the same green screen technology used in the “Harry Potter” movie productions.

Additionally, the Studio Tour will feature newly enhanced elements throughout the attraction, including specially recorded messages from the stars of “2 Broke Girls,” “Pretty Little Liars,” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” as well as new video montages highlighting the movies and television shows filmed over the years on the studio’s iconic backlot sets.

Book your tickets and experience Stage 48: Script to Screen for yourself later this summer!

Thanks to SnitchSeeker for the tip!

We’ve been avoiding posting any unofficial casting rumors for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, but today The Wrap is reporting that casting has begun for 3 other characters in the film as well as who is testing for those roles. It has been reported for the past few weeks that Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne is in talks to play Newt Scamander, but is not confirmed. Thanks to Hypable, for doing a little more digging, we have a few more details on each character:

Tina – Described as “grounded.”  Testing for this role are Saoirse Ronan, Dakota Fanning, Allison Sudol, and Lili Simmons.

MM Note: It is also speculated that Tina’s full name is Porpentina, meaning she is Newt’s (future) wife. Makes sense to us!

Queenie – Tina’s younger sister and described as a “bombshell.” Testing for this role are Kate Upton, Katherine Waterston and Elizabeth Debicki

Jacob – Described as Newt’s “rival,” testing for this role are Steve Zisis, Zack Pearlman and Dan Fogler.

The Casual Vacancy Mini Series that aired on HBO earlier this year is now available for pre-order on Amazon in the US and UK! It will be released on August 4th 2015 in the US and you can get it on DVD or Blu-Ray. UK fans can get their hands on the DVD or Blu-Ray a bit earlier, June 15th.

The Casual Vacancy centers on Pagford, a seemingly idyllic English village with a cobbled market square and ancient abbey. Behind the pretty facade, however, is a town at war: rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils. The story begins with the death of beloved Parish Councillor Barry Fairbrother, leaving a seat on the council vacant. Those running for a place soon find their darkest secrets revealed on the Parish Council online forum, ruining their campaign and leaving the election in turmoil.

Digital Spy is reporting that Michael Gambon will be taking on the role of Winston Churchill in ITV’s feature film, Churchill’s Secret. The project will focus on the late Prime Minister’s health problems during his second term in 1953. A few more details may be read below:

The story will be told from the point of view of the Prime Minister’s young nurse Millie Appleyard, who cared for him after he suffered a life-threatening stroke.

The drama is based on Jonathan Smith’s recently published book The Churchill Secret: KBO, and will be adapted for the screen by Stewart Harcourt.

ITV’s Director of Drama, Steve November, said: “Churchill’s Secret is the extraordinary and compelling story of how one of our country’s most famous political figures battled back from life-threatening illness to hold on to power.

“We’re delighted to commission Churchill’s Secret from Daybreak Pictures and to be working with Michael Gambon as Sir Winston Churchill and Lindsay Duncan as his wife Clemmie.”

Bloomsbury have sent over a new illustration showing Harry Potter in the cupboard under the stairs from the illustrated version of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The book, illustrated by Jim Kay, is out on 6th October 2015. Pre-order your copy now at Amazon (US) or Bloomsbury (UK)!

This will be the first fully illustrated edition of J.K. Rowling’s original Harry Potter novel. The hardback edition will include ribbon marker, head and tail bands, illustrated endpapers and colour on every spread. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone: Illustrated Edition will be published in more than twenty-one languages around the world. All co-editions will include Jim Kay’s stunning artwork and join the UK and the US in bringing this edition of the book to life. It is set to be the landmark publishing event of 2015.

Fiona Noble of the The Bookseller has said: “I’m willing to call this the most handsome and desirable gift book of the year. It is stunning … with full colour illustrations throughout from Greenaway Medal winner Kay, who breathes incredible life into these much-loved characters and locations, staying faithful to Rowling’s vision but revitalising the story for a new generation.”