Eddie Redmayne is being eyed to play the lead role in the 'Harry Potter' spin-off 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'.

The Oscar-winning star, who's best known for his portrayal of Professor Stephen Hawking in 'The Theory of Everything', is the favourite for the role of Newt Scamander, with the script of the eagerly-awaited movie currently being worked on by author J.K. Rowling.

Although Eddie, 33, is still to be officially offered the coveted role, Variety reports that he's the clear frontrunner for the position, having seen his profile skyrocket over recent months.

Meanwhile, J.K. Rowling recently confessed that the movie script is her immediate priority, meaning there's no prospect of another Harry Potter book anytime soon.

She told the Today show: ''I'm afraid I haven't been writing the next Harry Potter.

''I have always said never say ... well, not never say never. I've always said I'm not going to say I definitely won't because, because I don't see why I should say that. You know, it's my world and I might choose to step back into it. And in a way, I am stepping back into it.''