Eddie Redmayne reveals he drooled over script as he leads stars at Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald premiere

Eddie Redmayne revealed he literally drooled over the script of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald at the blue-carpet premiere of the film.

Redmayne, who plays the lead role of Newt Scamander in the film, told how his jaw dropped the first time he read the script for the latest instalment of the Harry Potter franchise.

At the premiere in Leicester Square, the 36-year-old said: “It feels so surreal because I used to come to Leicester Square when I was a kid. It’s the adrenaline. I kind of get nervous it’s extraordinary.

“The character never really leaves, you get to work in the virtual reality then the character is given time to marinate and then Jo’s new script got to my desk.

"I was so nervous reading that script, got to it, breathed, then read it a second time.”

Redmayne looked every bit the superstar as he donned a sleek burgundy suit, paired with black shoes and a skinny black tie alongside wife Hannah Bagshawe, at the premiere for the upcoming flick.

Joining Redmayne on the carpet was Hollywood star Johnny Depp, who takes on the role of Grindelwald in the film.

Looking sleek in an embossed velvet suit Depp completed his effortlessly-cool look with a number of silver chains casually visible under his jacket.

Depp thanked writer J.K Rowling for choosing him to take on the role as part of the mammoth film.

Speaking about his role, Depp said: “Being welcomed into the wizarding world was a monumental welcome, a beast to investigate.

“I was very very happy that JK [was] interested in me for the film and the welcome here in Leicester Square is always something special.

“Grindelwald to me represents a [different] side to this wizarding world [in] that he has the power and the magic of the wand but I think more than anything he has a psychological edge on most.”

An emotional JK Rowling also stunned on the carpet in a breath-taking chiffon navy maxi dress.

She pulled her red locks into an easy bun with beaded blue earrings for the ultimate boho-chic look.

Appearing visibly moved by the mass turn out in Leicester Square years after the first Harry Potter film, Rowling said: “It’s amazing seeing everyone wearing their Hogwarts colours after all these years. I love it.”

Rowling also teased fans ahead of the film’s release, insisting they “shouldn’t leave early”.

Other A-listers that graced the blue carpet included Claudia Kim, who takes on the role of Nagini, and Jude Law who plays the iconic role of Dumbledore.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald releases on 16 November.