Jude Law to Play Dumbledore in ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Sequel
The follow-up to two-time BAFTA winning Harry Potter spin-off ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ (2016) has announced the casting of Jude Law as young Albus Dumbledore.
The film, written for the screen by ‘Harry Potter’ author JK Rowling, is set to be titled ‘Fantastic Beasts 2’ and will see the continuation of David Yates in the director’s chair and Eddie Redmayne in the lead role.
Jude Law’s casting makes him the third man to portray the now iconic wizarding world character on the big screen following Richard Harris and Michael Gambon respectively. The actor, who is a two-time Oscar nominee, will portray the character during the early 20th century (a long time before the Harry Potter franchise) when the Hogwarts Headmaster was a Transfiguration Professor.
Law has beaten Richard Harris’ son Jared Harris to the role, as well as a host of famous British names that have been linked in recent months including Benedict Cumberbatch and Mark Strong.
Director David Yates released the following statement regarding the casting:
“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.”
Warner Bros President and Chief Content Officer Toby Emmerich echoed this sentiment in his own statement:
“As fans ourselves, we are thrilled to have Jude Law joining the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ cast, playing a character so universally adored. Jude has been a member of the Warner Bros. family for years and we’re excited to embark on this new adventure with him.”
Fantastic Beasts 2 is set to be released on November 16th 2018 and will co-star Johnny Depp, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler and Ezra Miller.
