Eddie Redmayne has recorded the new Fantastic Beasts audiobook as Newt Scamander

Fantastic Beasts actor Eddie Redmayne has narrated the new audiobook version of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them – as Newt Scamander.

Eddie Redmayne has lent his voice to the new audiobook version of the Hogwarts Library book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

As revealed by NBC’s Today Show earlier today, the actor recorded the narration in his very best Newt Scamander voice.

The digital audiobook is available for pre-order from Audible UK, Audible US and Audible Australia now and will be released on 14 March 2017.

Redmayne, who plays Hufflepuff Magizoologist Newt Scamander in the film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, popped by Audible HQ to narrate the audiobook. But, with so much happening in the Wizarding World since its original publication, J.K. Rowling couldn’t resist updating some of the text.

Like the updated print and ebook editions, the audiobook contains a new foreword from Newt Scamander himself, hinting at some of what happened when he visited New York City in the year 1926 and since. It also details six new beasts, along with all of Newt’s already well-known discoveries. It comes with wonderfully mastered sound effects, too.

Here is a sneak peek of Academy Award-winning actor and ardent Harry Potter fan Eddie Redmayne narrating extracts from the book that made Newt Scamander a wizarding household name.

Possibly the loveliest thing about this video are the facial expressions Redmayne can’t help but make when he uses Newt Scamander’s voice. He may be in Muggle clothes and sat in a very modern London recording studio, but Redmayne can still transport you to the wizarding world.

And, as you’ll be able to tell, he’s extremely – if somewhat bashfully – fond of some of the creatures he talks about in this book. He speaks about his ‘particular favourite’, the Demiguise, and how it can be found. He introduces the Niffler, who gives him no end of trouble in the film, with a proud ‘Ladies and gentlemen: the Niffler,’ adding ‘I could just talk about the Niffler all day.’

When he comes to read the extract about another of his best-loved beasts, he gives a knowing, somewhat weary look as he says, ‘Ah, the Erumpent.’ If you’ve seen the film Fantastic Beasts already, you’ll know exactly what he means.

The digital audiobook of the Hogwarts Library book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them narrated by Eddie Redmayne, is on pre-order now and will be available to buy on 14 March.