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5 Surprising Facts About Eddie Redmayne, The Oscar-Winner Who Plays Newt Scamander

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The question of "who plays Newt Scamander" is a simple one with a complex answer, leading into one of the most decorated actors of his generation and the uncertain future of a major film franchise. As of today, December 22, 2025, the beloved Magizoologist, Newton Artemis Fido Scamander, is portrayed by the BAFTA and Academy Award-winning English actor, Eddie Redmayne. Redmayne has brought the endearing, socially awkward, and creature-loving wizard to life across three installments of the *Fantastic Beasts* series, but recent updates from the star himself have cast a long shadow over the continuation of the Wizarding World prequel story.

Eddie Redmayne's performance as Newt Scamander is often cited as the heart of the *Fantastic Beasts* films, a stark contrast to his more dramatic, Oscar-bait roles. His latest comments in 2025 have been "frank" regarding the franchise's status, confirming the widespread speculation that the planned five-film series is currently on hold, if not entirely concluded, following the disappointing box office performance of the third film, *Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore*. This makes a deep dive into the actor's career and the character's legacy more relevant than ever.

Eddie Redmayne: A Complete Biographical Profile

Edward John David Redmayne, known professionally as Eddie Redmayne, is a British actor whose career is marked by both critical acclaim and commercial success, particularly in transformative roles. His portrayal of Newt Scamander is just one facet of a distinguished career that began on the stage and quickly moved to major Hollywood productions.

  • Full Name: Edward John David Redmayne
  • Date of Birth: January 6, 1982
  • Place of Birth: London, England
  • Education: Attended Eton College (alongside Prince William) and later studied History of Art at Trinity College, Cambridge University.
  • Spouse: Hannah Bagshawe (married 2014)
  • Major Awards:
    • Academy Award for Best Actor (Winner, 2015 for *The Theory of Everything*).
    • BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Winner, 2015 for *The Theory of Everything*).
    • Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama (Winner, 2015 for *The Theory of Everything*).
    • Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play (Winner, 2010 for *Red*) and Best Leading Actor in a Play (Winner, 2023 for *Cabaret*).
  • Notable Non-Scamander Roles: Stephen Hawking in *The Theory of Everything* (2014), Lili Elbe in *The Danish Girl* (2015), Marius Pontmercy in *Les Misérables* (2012), and the Emcee in the West End and Broadway revival of *Cabaret*.

The Magizoologist: Newt Scamander’s Journey in the Wizarding World

Newt Scamander is not merely a protagonist; he is a crucial figure in the extended lore of the Wizarding World, serving as the link between the original *Harry Potter* series and the pre-Voldemort era. The character’s full name, Newton Artemis Fido Scamander, reflects his deep connection to magical creatures, or Magizoology, a passion that ultimately defined his life and career.

Newt’s story begins at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he was sorted into Hufflepuff House. Despite his gentle nature, he was controversially expelled—though Albus Dumbledore fiercely opposed the decision—for an incident involving a magical creature that endangered a fellow student, Leta Lestrange. This expulsion, however, did not deter his life’s work.

The entire *Fantastic Beasts* franchise revolves around Newt’s initial assignment: documenting magical creatures around the globe for what would eventually become the famous Hogwarts textbook, *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them*. The three films in the series track his unwilling involvement in the escalating global conflict with the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald, a story that co-stars major figures like Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore, Katherine Waterston as Tina Goldstein, and Dan Fogler as the beloved No-Maj, Jacob Kowalski.

  • The Fantastic Beasts Film Trilogy:
  • *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them* (2016)
  • *Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald* (2018)
  • *Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore* (2022)

The Uncertain Future of Fantastic Beasts and Redmayne's Next Moves

The central question for fans remains: Will Eddie Redmayne return as Newt Scamander for the remaining two planned films? The short answer, as of late 2024 and early 2025, is highly unlikely in the near future. The third film, *The Secrets of Dumbledore*, was the lowest-grossing entry in the entire Wizarding World franchise, leading to a long silence from Warner Bros. about the proposed fourth and fifth installments.

Redmayne himself provided a "frank" assessment of the situation, stating that there has been no official communication or movement on the remaining films, indicating the project is effectively shelved. This update, coming in 2025, serves as the most current and definitive statement on the franchise's bleak outlook, leaving the story of Newt, Tina, and the fight against Gellert Grindelwald incomplete.

Redmayne’s Career Beyond the Wizarding World

The hiatus from the Wizarding World has allowed Redmayne to return to his roots in high-profile theatre and dramatic cinema. His recent work has kept him firmly in the spotlight, demonstrating his versatility far beyond the shy Magizoologist:

  • The Stage Success of *Cabaret*: Redmayne received significant praise and a Tony Award for his performance as the Emcee in the Broadway revival of *Cabaret* in 2023, a role he also played in London's West End.
  • 2025 Awards Buzz: The actor remained relevant in the 2025 awards season, receiving nominations for the Golden Globes, though he notably missed the 2025 SAG Awards due to other commitments.
  • Focus on Family: Alongside his professional life, Redmayne has also been candid about his "new life as a dad of two," highlighting his focus on balancing his demanding career with his family life with wife Hannah Bagshawe.

Ultimately, Eddie Redmayne is the definitive Newt Scamander, and his legacy in the Wizarding World is secure. While the future of *Fantastic Beasts* remains in doubt, his ongoing success in diverse roles—from the theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking to the transgender pioneer Lili Elbe—proves his career is far from dependent on a single franchise. Fans may not see Newt Scamander on screen anytime soon, but they will certainly see the Oscar-winning talent of Eddie Redmayne in a variety of compelling new projects.

who plays newt scamander
who plays newt scamander

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