Story highlights
Colin Farrell will play a wizard in new Harry Potter film
"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" takes place 70 years before main Potter series
Colin Farrell is ready to cast a spell.
The Irish actor has joined the cast of Warner Bros.’ Harry Potter spin-off “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” which will star Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Ezra Miller and Alison Sudol.
Farrell will play Graves, a wizard that Newt Scamander (Redmayne) meets in New York. The story centers on Newt’s adventures in the secret community of witches and wizards as he attempts to document magical creatures. The events of “Fantastic Beasts” take place 70 years before Harry Potter reads Newt’s book in school. Dan Fogler also was recently cast in the film.
The Hollywood Reporter: Redmayne named charity’s ambassador
David Yates is directing the return to J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world, and Rowling wrote the script.
Potter producer David Heyman is back as producer, this time accompanied by Rowling. Steve Kloves, who wrote seven out of the eight Potter movies, and Lionel Wigram are also producing. The film is set for release on November 18, 2016.
The Hollywood Reporter: Colin Farrell on gaining 40 pounds
Farrell is currently starring on HBO’s second season of “True Detective.” His latest film, Yargos Lanthimos’ “The Lobster,” premiered to critical acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival in May, and won the Jury Prize at the festival. Centering on a world where people must find a mate in 45 days or be turned into an animal for the rest of their lives, “The Lobster” also starred Rachel Weisz and John C. Reilly.
Farrell, whose previous credits include “Saving Mr. Banks,” “Horrible Bosses” and “Seven Psychopaths,” has also shot thriller “Solace,” opposite Anthony Hopkins. He’s repped by CAA, LBI Entertainment and attorney Steve Warren.