As Potterheads around the world gear up for the release of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald later this year, more and more nuggets of information about what we can expect are starting to apparate before our very eyes.
In this sequel to 2016’s Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, Newt Scamander crosses paths with a young Albus Dumbledore, who will be portrayed on screen by Jude Law.
As Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has revealed previously, Dumbledore is a gay man – something that was never really explored in both the seven novels, or eight Warner Bros movies that followed.
Fans were hoping that this look back to Dumbledore’s life would shine more of a spotlight on his romantic past, especially considering it also features Grindelwald (played by Johnny Depp) – a dark wizard who Hogwarts’ future headmaster is emotionally invested in.
However, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald director David Yates revealed earlier this year that this younger version of Dumbledore will not be “explicitly gay” in the film.
It’s a decision that hasn’t gone done well with the fandom, but one Jude Law says is right for this movie as it sets up future narratives.
“Jo Rowling revealed some years back that Dumbledore was gay,” Jude told Entertainment Weekly. “That was a question I actually asked Jo and she said, yes, he’s gay.
“But as with humans, your sexuality doesn’t necessarily define you; he’s multifaceted. I suppose the question is: How is Dumbledore’s sexuality depicted in this film?
“What you got to remember this is only the second Fantastic Beasts film in a series and what’s brilliant about Jo’s writing is how she reveals her characters, peels them to the heart over time.
“You’re just getting to know Albus in this film, and there’s obviously a lot more to come.
“We learn a little about his past in the beginning of this film, and characters and their relationships will unfold naturally which I’m excited to reveal. But we’re not going to reveal everything all at once.”
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald will be released on 16 November, and will see Eddie Redmayne reprise the role of Newt Scamander.
Ezra Miller will also return as Credence Barebone, and recently told Gay Times that the oppression his character faces – which many in the LGBTQ community could relate with – will be explored further.
Latest
