FILM · 2016 · UK

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Directed by

David Yates

Runtime

133 min

Studio

Heyday Films, Warner Bros. Pictures

102 archived facts · 7 topics · 1 source · Last reviewed Sep 2026

In 1926, Newt Scamander arrives at the Magical Congress of the United States of America with a magically expanded briefcase, which houses a number of dangerous creatures and their habitats. When the creatures escape from the briefcase, it sends the American wizarding authorities after Newt, and threatens to strain even further the state of magical and non-magical relations.

Summary: TMDB

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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: 9 Facts About the Characters and Cast

1. #006

   According to J. K. Rowling, Eddie Redmayne was the only choice for the lead role. Redmayne did not have to audition and was involved in other casting decisions.

   CHARACTERS & CAST · SOURCED

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2. #010

   Eddie Redmayne auditioned for the role of Tom Riddle in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) but was rejected after reading a single line. Christian Coulson was cast instead.

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3. #013

   Wand school was mandatory for many members of the cast. The actors and actresses attended a training camp to learn how to move and use the wand correctly.

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4. #043
   Contains a major spoiler — show

   This is the second film after The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009), in which Colin Farrell and Johnny Depp both play two versions of the same character alongside Jude Law, who replaced Heath Ledger after his death. Jude Law also played young Dumbledore in this film's sequel.

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5. #052

   Michael Cera was considered for the role of Jacob, but he passed on this film role for the voice role in the animated The Lego Batman Movie (2017).

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6. #054

   Saoirse Ronan, Dakota Fanning, Kristen Stewart and Lili Simmons were considered for the role of Queenie.

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7. #064

   Michael Cera, Josh Gad, Steve Zissis and Zack Pearlman were considered for the role of Jacob.

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8. #069

   Kate Upton and Elizabeth Debicki were considered for the role of Tina.

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9. #093

   Eddie Redmayne, who plays Newt Scamander, appeared in My Week with Marilyn (2011), which starred Emma Watson (Hermione Granger). Redmayne also appeared alongside Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange) in Les Misérables (2012).

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