Colin Farrell enjoyed twirling wand in Fantastic Beasts

Colin Farrell’s imagination saved him from feeling like an “idiot” when using a wand in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

The Irish actor joins author J.K. Rowling’s magical world in the latest big screen adaptation of one of her books, set before the famous Harry Potter franchise took place. He plays Percival Graves, the director of security at the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA) and casts plenty of spells throughout the flick, which were brought to life thanks to Colin’s playful side.

“Imagination,” he replied when asked by SFX magazine how he prepared to play an Auror, an employee of the Ministry of Magic. “Mine and J.K. Rowling’s and (director) David Yates’. And the script was very descriptive and beautiful and filled with all these machinations of magic. You can only twirl a wand around in your hotel for so long until you feel like an idiot because... nothing’s happening. It can’t even change the channel.”

Colin had never read the Harry Potter books before signing onto the film, but his sister is a big fan and was “delighted” when he joined Fantastic Beasts. Colin had seen the movies though and could understand his sibling’s excitement at him being able to use a wand.

“There are a few films where in they’re on the television, I just can’t turn them off, they’re just so comforting; and any Harry Potter series qualifies as one of those films,” the star explained. “It’s just such a beautiful and immersive world, that pays due respect to human emotions. I would be a liar if I said being in a trailer where that score kicks in didn’t get me excited. I’m 40 and I shouldn’t say such things.”

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them hits cinemas from November (16).