Warner Bros. has found their Dumbledore!
British actor Jude Law will be playing young Albus Dumbledore in the sequel to “Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them” alongside Eddie Redmayne and Johnny Depp.
Richard Harris played Dumbledore in the first 2 “Harry Potter” films. After his death in 2002, Michael Gambon took over the iconic role. It was also reported that Warner Bros. had considered a range of prominent British actors for the role. This includes Christian Bale (“The Dark Knight”), Benedict Cumberbatch (“Doctor Strange”), Mark Strong (“Kingsman”), Jared Harris (“The Crown”).
In the upcoming sequel, which is set decades before the events of “Harry Potter”, Dumbledore serves as a Transfiguration Professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Last year, author J.K. Rowling hinted that Dumbledore could be openly gay at some point in the 5-part franchise. “You will see Dumbledore as a younger man and quite a troubled man. We’ll see him at that formative period of his life. As far as his sexuality is concerned, watch this space,” last year.
In speaking about the casting news, director David Yates said, “Jude Law is a phenomenally talented actor whose work I have long admired, and I’m looking forward to finally having the opportunity to work with him. I know he will brilliantly capture all the unexpected facets of Albus Dumbledore as J.K. Rowling reveals this very different time in his life.”
Jude Law has been nominated for 2 Academy Awards and 3 Golden Globes. He won a BAFTA for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for “The Talented Mr. Ripley” (1999). The British actor will next be seen in “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” and is currently starring in HBO’s “The Young Pope.”
“Fantastic Beasts 2”, which begins production this summer, is slated for release on 16th November 2018.
Sources: Variety, Pottermore, E! Online.
