Johnny Depp to co-star in 'Fantastic Beasts' sequel

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- Johnny Depp has signed on to co-star in the sequel to this month's Harry Potter prequel Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Scheduled to open Nov. 18, the J.K. Rowling-penned, fantasy flick features Eddie Redmayne as magizoologist Newt Scamander. The first installment in the five-movie franchise is set in 1920s New York.

The Hollywood Reporter revealed the news of Depp's casting in the second movie Tuesday, but emphasized no details were available about who Depp will play.

The Pirates of the Caribbean icon will also have a brief cameo in the first installment of the Beasts series, the entertainment industry trade newspaper Variety said.