Katherine Waterston has been cast as the female lead in the 'Harry Potter' spin-off movie.

The 35-year-old actress - who featured in the Paul Thomas Anderson-directed movie 'Inherent Vice' last year - is set to star in 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' alongside Oscar-winning performer Eddie Redmayne.

Katherine will appear in the role of a witch in the much-anticipated movie, which is set in New York around 70 years before the story of Harry begins and is to be directed by David Yates, who also helmed the last four movies in the 'Harry Potter' franchise.

Earlier this month, 'Harry Potter' creator J.K. Rowling hinted an American version of Hogwarts will feature in 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'.

The best-selling author is currently writing the screenplay for the spin-off movie and she suggested an American wizarding school may be featured in the movie.

In a Q&A session on Twitter, she was asked the name of the ''US school'' and replied: ''That information will be revealed in due course.''

'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' is scheduled for release in November 2016.