Jude Law as a young Dumbledore. | Photo: YouTube/Warner Bros. Pictures
Jude Law breaks the silence on playing a young Albus Dumbledore in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the British actor opens up about taking on the role of one of the most powerful, beloved fictional wizards of all times in the prequel to the 2016 movie.
Set to hit the screens later this year, the second film of the franchise had the fans hoping for the chance to see Dumbledore portrayed as an openly gay character. Furthermore, Harry Potter and to find out more about his rumored relationship with the evil wizard Gellert Grindelwald.
Harry Potter’s creator J.K. Rowling has, in fact, confirmed the Hogwarts headmaster’s homosexuality in several interviews throughout the years. Despite the fandom’s excitement, however, the character’s sexual orientation won’t be ‘explicit’ in the movie directed by David Yates.
Albus Dumbledore’s gay relationship won’t be explored in Fantastic Beasts. | Photo: Warner Bros
‘Sexuality doesn’t necessarily define you’
When asked about Dumbledore’s past, Jude Law explains he had asked J.K. Rowling whether the character was gay.
‘Jo Rowling revealed some years back that Dumbledore was gay. That was a question I actually asked Jo and she said, yes, he’s gay,’ Jude Law told Entertainment Weekly.
‘But as with humans, your sexuality doesn’t necessarily define you; he’s multifaceted.’
Three other Fantastic Beasts film will complete the saga
‘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,’ he also said.
‘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.’
Part of the original cast will reprise their roles in this new film, such as protagonists Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander and Katherine Waterston as Porpentina Goldstein. Zoe Kravitz will also join the cast as Leta Lestrange.
Dumbledore and Grindelwald
Johnny Depp as Grindelwald. | Photo: Warner Bros
Leaving Dumbledore’s sexuality out of the script wasn’t the only aspect of the film which faced a backlash.
Johnny Depp, who allegedly physically abused ex-wife Amber Heard, will return as Grindelwald in this second film and fans weren’t happy with the recast. Despite the criticism, J.K. Rowling defended the decision.
On working with Depp, Law said he didn’t shoot any scene with him.
‘As I said before, this is only Part 2 of a longer story. I’ve always admired him from afar, but we don’t know each other, and I’ve not yet met him on this. In many ways that suits the relationship as it’s been many years since they’ve seen each other. So there’s complexity in that that’s fun to mine. Again, the past will reveal itself.’
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald hits US and UK theaters on 16 November.
Watch the trailer:
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Ian McKellen reveals why he never played Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films
