Fantastic Beasts actor Katharine Waterston: 'My character is nothing like Hermione'

Just because they're both female doesn't mean they're similar

(Jaap Buitendijk)

Seeing as Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is the first of a new franchise set within J.K. Rowling's wizarding world, many will be quick to make comparisons with Harry Potter.

Katharine Waterston, however, is quick to point out that her character Tina is completely her own creation and nothing like Hermione Granger.

Speaking to Collider, the Inherent Vice actor said: "It never occurred to me to compare myself to her just because we're both female, in any way. You know, they're totally different characters and I don't feel like I'm stepping into her shoes simply because I'm a woman.

"It's just amazing to be a part of this world that means so much to people and I don't have any problem with considering it in that way. It just never occurred to me to think of it in those terms and probably it would make me nervous at the thought of it," she added, laughing.

Waterston - who revealed she was "dumbfounded" upon meeting Rowling - will star in the 1920s-set film alongside Eddie Redmayne who'll play Newt Scamander, a young wizard who accidentally unleashes a host of magical creatures in New York. The film also stars Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Samantha Morton, Jon Voight, Ron Perlman, Carmen Ejogo and Colin Farrell.

Following this, Waterston will play the lead role in Ridley Scott's Prometheus sequel, Alien: Covenant, which is set to be released in 2017.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will be released in UK cinemas on 18 November.