He's a gifted, classically trained actor with experience on both stage and screen, and seems to have been born to act in period films. He went to RADA and is often regarded as one of the most talented actors of his generation. What more do you want? His recent credits include Cloud Atlas, Bright Star, and the iconic role of Q in Skyfall. His look is a perfect fit for the wizarding world - he's attractive, in an eccentric sort of way, but not distractingly so. Whishaw brings a sense of vulnerability and pathos to every role that he plays, as well as a dry sense of humor. His filmography proves that he is capable of headlining a film, and that he is willing to work on high profile projects if the material is right. But he was really chosen because he seems like the same sort of person as Newt Scamander seems to be, someone who approaches acting in the same thoughtful yet passionate manner that the fictional character pursues magizoology.