Jude Law to portray young Dumbledore in 'Fantastic Beasts' sequel

The “Fantastic Beasts” sequel has found the younger counterpart of Albus Dumbledore in British actor Jude Law. The “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” sequel will have Eddie Redmayne reprising his role as protagonist Newt Scamander.

Also joining the cast is Johnny Depp, who will be portraying the sequel’s antagonist, Gellert Grindelwald. The sequel will have David Yates back in the director’s chair. Additionally, the first “Fantastic Beasts” film marked the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, who is the author of the beloved novel series. For the sequel, Rowling will yet again pen the screenplay.

“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,” Yates told Variety of Law’s addition to the “Fantastic Beasts” cast. “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.”

For the uninitiated, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is a spin-off of the “Harry Potter” film series. It is set several years before the original “Harry Potter” series and follows the story of Newt Scamander, a magizoologist who traverses the wizarding world and encounters several magical creatures along the way.

Having Dumbledore back in the picture — albeit a younger iteration — will provide a new facet to the character. Fans of the series have always known Dumbledore as the wise and elderly headmaster of Hogwarts. This time around, the “Fantastic Beasts” sequel will show a much younger Dumbledore, one who is yet to take over as the head of Hogwarts. As the film is set several decades prior to the original series, young Dumbledore in this timeline is in the position of the school’s Transfiguration professor.

Meanwhile, it was recently revealed that actor Ian McKellen could have taken over for the late Richard Harris following the latter’s death in 2002. As some fans may recall, Harris was the original actor who portrayed Dumbledore. He brought the character to life in the first two “Harry Potter” films before his death. Though Michael Gambon later took over for Harris for the remainder of the film franchise, it was learnt that the offer to step into Dumbledore’s shoes fell on McKellen first.

As to why the “Lord of the Rings” star declined to opportunity to join the “Harry Potter” franchise, McKellen explained that he knew how Harris felt about him. McKellen shared that Harris did not approve of him, and thus, he rejected the chance to take over for Harris.

The “Fantastic Beasts” sequel is slated for a release in November 2018. The first movie was released in November 2016.