It looks as though Fantastic Beasts 2 has found its Dumbledore…
And it’s none other than Jude Law.
According to Variety, the 44-year-old British actor has landed the iconic Harry Potter role, playing a young Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Fantastic Beasts sequel.
“Jude Law has been tapped to play young Dumbledore in the “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” sequel,” they revealed. “David Yates is returning to direct and Eddie Redmayne will be back to star alongside Johnny Depp, who will play the villain Grindelwald.”
Of course, Dumbledore is one of the most iconic characters in the Harry Potter franchise, originally played by Richard Harris in the first two films, followed by Michael Gambon for the rest of the saga following Harris’ death in 2002.
Now, Jude Law is set to play the young Dumbledore.
Best known in recent years for Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes, Jude Law came to international attention in The Talented Mr Ripley, and has appeared in some of my favourite movies including Gattaca and The Grand Budapest Hotel.
But is he the right fit for Dumbledore?
“The studio had been considering every major British actor in the biz – from Christian Bale to Benedict Cumberbatch to Mark Strong to Harris’ son, Mad Men alum and The Crown actor Jared Harris – for the role.”
And I can’t help thinking that Jared Harris would have been a better fit.
Aside from being the original Dumbledore’s son, at 55 -years-old he would have much more of a presence as a Professor of Transfiguration at the esteemed Hogwarts school. That said, it wouldn’t quite fit the earlier casting of Johnny Depp as Grindelwald.
After all, the two are enemies… and eventually lovers.
But perhaps they should have rethought Johnny Depp’s casting instead.
“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,” said director David Yates. “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.”
Of course, that remains to be seen.
But if nothing else, I have to agree that Jude Law is a fine actor.
Fantastic Beasts 2 stars Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler, Jude Law and Johnny Depp.
David Yates will direct the film based on a script by J.K. Rowling.
Fantastic Beasts 2 heads to cinemas on 16 November 2018.
What do you think of Jude Law as Dumbledore? Is he really the right fit? Let us know what you think in the comments below…
