Ezra Miller says Emma Watson was his first call when he landed 'Beasts' role

NEW YORK, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Ezra Miller says his Perks of Being a Wallflower co-star Emma Watson was the first person he called when he landed his role in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Beasts is a prequel to the eight-picture, Harry Potter franchise in which Watson co-starred from the time she was a child.

"Emma was the first person I called," Miller said with a laugh, during a recent New York press conference. "I think, usually, if you know someone who has worked with anyone who you are about to work with, it seems rational to check in and find out what you are plunging into. And, fortunately, when I called Emma, I was given good news. She told me what a magical experience it was for her. ... "

"But, particularly, she tried to prepare me for the wonder of [director] David Yates and help me understand," he continued. " I asked her.... I was like, 'Yeah, I met him and he seems so kind and calm, but when you start shooting that must all fall apart and he's yelling at department heads to get the job done, right?' And she was like, 'Actually, Ezra, no, he will remain that calm through the entire production.' Which is true and an amazing thing."

Starring Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol, Colin Farrell and Dan Fogler, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is to open in theaters Friday.