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Harry Potter prequel Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will be shot in Liverpool, the ECHO can exclusively reveal.

The city will be rolling out the red carpet for huge stars including Eddie Redmayne.

Oscar winner Eddie is starring as Newt Scamander in JK Rowling’s latest addition to the Harry Potter franchise.

The adventure is set in the wizarding world of her best-selling Harry Potter books, which were adapted into the highest-grossing film franchise of all time.

Liverpool is the only non-studio location that Warner Bros. Pictures is using for the film, with shooting starting soon at key city centre locations.

Crew were spotted prepping at sites including St George’s Hall, which was screened off with huge metal fences, and near the Three Graces over the past few weeks.

(Image: Colin Lane)

The Theory of Everything star Eddie plays Newt, the wizarding world’s preeminent magizoologist.

He stops in New York following his journeys to find and document magical creatures for what will eventually become the Hogwarts textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Other main cast members include Katherine Waterson, Alison Sudol, Tony Award winner Dan Fogler, Ezra Miller and Golden Globe Award winner Samantha Morton.

The blockbuster also stars Jenn Murray, newcomer Faith Wood-Blagrove, and Colin Farrell.

(Image: Mirrorpix)

The film is directed by David Yates, who took the helm of the last four Harry Potter films. It is being produced by David Heyman, producer of all eight of the blockbuster Harry Potter films, JK Rowling, Steve Kloves and Lionel Wigram, executive producer of the final four films.

David Heyman said: “We are thrilled to be bringing Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them to Liverpool, a city which has such fond memories for me.

“My mother is from Liverpool and, as a child, we would often visit family there.

“The architecture in this beautiful city works perfectly for our film, set in 1920s New York, and I know we will receive a very warm welcome.”

The movie will be released worldwide in 3D and IMAX on November 18, 2016.

(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

‘We’ll give the cast a warm welcome’

As many as 530 cast and crew will make the city their temporary home, giving a boost to the local economy.

Councillor Wendy Simon, Liverpool’s assistant mayor and cabinet member responsible for the Liverpool Film Office, said: “We are absolutely delighted that this huge production is taking place in Liverpool.

“We were one of many locations the production team were looking at, and for us to come out on top is a testament to the expertise, experience and enthusiasm of our Film Office, packaged with the stunning venues we have to offer.

“We are no stranger to big movies being filmed on the city streets, but without a doubt, J.K Rowling’s new adventure will cause a real buzz and re-emphasises Liverpool’s reputation as one of the most filmed cities outside of London.

“I’m sure we’ll give the cast and crew the usual warm Liverpool welcome and give them an unforgettable experience during their time here.”

Also collaborating with director David Yates behind the scenes are: Oscar-winning director of photography Philippe Rousselot, three-time Oscar-winning production designer Stuart Craig, three-time Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood, Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor Tim Burke, Oscar-nominated visual effects supervisor Christian Manz, and Yates’ long time editor Mark Day.

'We were confident Liverpool would fit perfectly'

Lynn Sunders, Liverpool Film Office manager, said: “This was a very lengthy process in terms of securing the filming, but throughout it all, we were confident Liverpool could offer the amazing locations which would fit perfectly with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

“We are so pleased to be able to facilitate this movie, and coming just a couple of weeks after we announced the news of a new TV and Film studio coming to Liverpool - it really does go to show we are a city in demand.

“This has been a hugely busy year for us so far, and as soon as one project finishes, another one is setting up.

“We’re seeing a real trend in productions returning to the city time and time again, and increasing the length of their stay each time as they have really positive experiences when working here.

"The director David Yates is an example of this, having filmed Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and his debut feature The Tichborne Claimant in Liverpool previously – we’re delighted to welcome him and the team back.”

Some blockbusting films shot in Liverpool:

51st State

Captain America: The First Avenger

Sherlock Holmes

Millions

Alfie

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

Fast and Furious 6

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Nowhere Boy