Colin Farrell slated for 'Harry Potter' spinoff 'Fantastic Beasts'

Colin Farrell has reportedly joined the cast of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

The 39-year-old Irish actor will play the wizard Graves in the Harry Potter spinoff film, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Protagonist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) is said to meet the character during his time in New York.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is based on the J.K. Rowling book of the same name, and takes place 70 years prior to the events of Harry Potter. The story follows Newt, the fictional author of one of Harry's textbooks, as he discovers and documents magical creatures.

The movie is directed by David Yates, who helmed the final four Harry Potter films, including Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Fantastic Beasts will open in theaters Nov. 18, 2016, and also stars Alison Sudol and the recently announced Dan Fogler.

Farrell currently stars as Det. Ray Velcoro on season 2 of HBO series True Detective, which airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET. The actor last appeared in The Lobster with Rachel Weisz, and is scheduled for Solace with Anthony Hopkins.