We were surprised to see just how far Newt Scamander will go in order to wrangle in his Erumpent. Here’s how the Fantastic Beasts cast and crew made the magical moment happen on screen.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a welcome new chapter in the Harry Potter scheme of things. And now, we can add “Oscar winning” to its movie title. Looking back on some of the more memorable moments from the whimsical film, one that stands out is Newt Scamander’s ability to wrangle in his Erumpent after it got loose in Central Park.
Actor Eddie Redmayne and costume designer Colleen Atwood spoke on what made Newt tick during his odd, yet effective mating dance. Here’s the video from Warner Bros., thanks to our friends over at SnitchSeeker.com.
Redmayne is known for diving head-first into a character. He says he spent nearly six months speaking with zoologists and trackers to cultivate the perfect Newt gait.
"They have to be incredibly silent, when they are either on the floor or when they’re walking, their feet are turned out. They lift one leg and place it exactly where you want it. There’s a kind of open stance, and it was something I adopted."
Meanwhile, costume designer Colleen Atwood had to create a costume that was Since Redmayne’s costume was the first one she came up with, Atwood says she tried to channel Newt’s innate animal instincts.
"When he has to blend with the real world, the trick of using the silhouette in the real world, and making his clothes sort of mismatched to give a feeling of quirkiness. He’s a character that came from living in the wilderness; he adapts everything to what he needs."
Next: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Wins an Oscar
Atwood just raked in her fourth Oscar for best costume design. And, just for fun, let’s enjoy Newt’s dance in its entirety just one more time.