Ewan McGregor
McGregor definitely looks older than the others on this list, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t still be successful in the role. Supposedly he still hasn’t been contacted about rejoining the Star Wars franchise. Well if that’s the case, quick, jump ship! Leave your Jedi powers behind and head on to the world of magic. Trade in your lightsaber for a magic wand! (In case you’re reading this Obi, I’m kidding. Please go back to Star Wars. But do Harry Potter too). His role as the iconic Jedi would serve him well as an older Newt, especially considering the wisdom the two must share.
That being said, I think his role in The Men Who Stare At Goats would be best for an early Newt. The way McGregor was exposed to that world of Jedi Knights, remaining skeptical at first, then slowly being completely won over by what they were doing, would be a perfect technique for Newt’s transition from working with house elves to working with hippogriffs. He first learns about these fantastic beasts that he previously thought were just myths from kids’ stories. Then he becomes exposed, seeing Dragons and other wonderful creatures, eventually becoming so engrossed by that world that he becomes the world’s expert on it. Go re-watch The Men Who Stare At Goats and picture that set in the world of magic. Seems like a pretty awesome movie if you ask me.
Plus, McGregor is just an awesome actor, who’s never a drag to watch. He’s the sort of big name that would ensure this film is on the radar of even non-Potter fans. While he is a great, mainstream actor, he isn’t so big that he wouldn’t consider doing this. And maybe he could get Danny Boyle to direct. Wouldn’t that be an interesting spin on the magical world?