Director David Yates continues to fill out the cast for his return to the Harry Potter universe with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and a crucial role as been filled. Once Eddie Redmayne was set as protagonist Newt Scamander—a magizoologist who makes a pitstop in New York City during his travels—we started learning about the ensemble that would surround him. One character name that kept popping up was Jacob, a character who serves as Scamander’s rival. Names like Josh Gad, Michael Cera, John Krasinski, and Dan Folger were mentioned as being in contention for the role, and now we not only know who’s playing Jacob, we’ve also learned something rather curious about him: he’s a muggle.
Deadline reports that Fanboys and Balls of Fury actor Dan Folger has landed the role of Jacob, and they also note that Jacob is indeed a muggle. The Harry Potter films were filled to the brim with characters, but all of the principal roles were magic-folks. Not only will Fantastic Beasts be breaking new ground by delving into the American magic world, but we’ll also have a muggle main character.
J.K. Rowling penned the script for Fantastic Beasts, and Variety also adds that A Fine Frenzy singer/songwriter Alison Sudol will make her feature film debut as the character of Queenie, the younger sister of Katherine Waterston’s (Inherent Vice) American witch Tina. Ezra Miller rounds out the central ensemble, and I have to wonder if Warner Bros. might bring all the actors onstage tomorrow during their Comic-Con presentation.
Production on Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them begins later this year in anticipation of the film’s November 18, 2016 release date.
