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Fantastic Beasts 2 Director Says That Dumbledore’s Sexuality Will Be ‘Clear’

October 7, 2018 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

There was controversy a few months ago when Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald director David Yates said that while the movie would feature Jude Law as a young Dummbledore, he wouldn’t be explicitly gay in the movie. This upset a lot of people, with many angry at JK Rowling for having said that Dumbledore was gay, but that as with the books not doing anything to actually show that.

However, now Yates has stepped forward to say that while he may not be explicitly gay, his sexuality will be ‘clear’.

He tell Empire, “In that earlier interview, I didn’t say Dumbledore’s not gay. He is. This part of this huge narrative that Jo is creating doesn’t focus on his sexuality, but we’re not airbrushing or hiding it… the story [of the romantic relationship] isn’t there in this particular movie but it’s clear in what you see… that he is gay. A couple of scenes we shot are very sensual moments of him and the young Grindelwald.”

Indeed, it didn’t seem a coincidence that after the controversy, the last two trailers have included shots of Dumbledore looking longingly at Grindelwald in the Mirror Of Erised – the mirror that shows you what you desire the most. This seemed to be a way for those marketing the movie to show that the characters’ sexuality will be acknowledged, even if it isn’t the focus of the film. (It’s also worth noting that JK Rowling has suggested things may get more explicit in later instalments of what is planned as a series of five films).

Yates adds, “The story [of this film] is about other things, fundamentally, but the story of Grindelwald and Dumbledore, going forward, that is the story. I think people just have to wait and see and appreciate that in movies to come that relationship will be explored much more fully.”

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ACTORS: Jude Law, Johnny Depp DIRECTORS: David Yates FILMS: Fantastic Beasts 2

New Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Trailer – A classic Potter character isn’t what we thought

September 25, 2018 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

Today there’s been both delight and a lot of eye-rolling in the Harry Potter fandom following a reveal in the new trailer for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald which brings back a ‘character’ from the Harry Potter novels but in a rather different form. Some love that things weren’t what they appeared (although it may also explain a few things), while others feel the whole thing feels like a rather daft retcon – while a few have even argued it may be sexist or racist. You can decide for yourself by watching below and seeing that something very close to Voldemort wasn’t always as we’ve previously seen it.

Here’s the synopsis: ‘At the end of the first film, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) was captured by MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), with the help of Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne). But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escaped custody and has set about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings.

‘In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) enlists his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.

‘The film features an ensemble cast led by Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, with Jude Law and Johnny Depp. The cast also includes, Zoë Kravitz, Callum Turner, Claudia Kim, William Nadylam, Kevin Guthrie, Carmen Ejogo, and Poppy Corby-Tuech.

‘“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” is directed by David Yates, from a screenplay by J.K. Rowling.’ The film will be in cinemas November 16th 2018. Take a look at the new trailer and some character art below. [Read more…]

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ACTORS: Jude Law, Eddie Redmayne, Johnny Depp, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Ezra Miller DIRECTORS: David Yates FILMS: Fantastic Beasts 2

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Trailer – Meet Jude Law’s young (& possibly more gay than billed) Dumbledore

July 22, 2018 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

There was a lot of frustration expressed a few months ago when Fantastic Beasts director David Yates said that while they were introducing a young Dumbledore (played by Jude Law) in The Crimes Of Grindelwald, he wouldn’t be ‘explicitly’ gay in the film. JK Rowling rather grumpily defended the announcement, saying that they were only two movies into a five film franchise and people should just hand on. However, that didn’t satisfy those already annoyed with the fact she’d made Dumbledore gay outside the Harry Potter books, but with little in the actual stories to back that up – they felt she was once more trying to have her cake and eat it, while not actually delivering any real LGBT representation.

In the last few days Law has had his first say on the controversy, telling EW, “…as with humans, your sexuality doesn’t necessarily define you; he’s multifaceted. I suppose the question is: How is Dumbledore’s sexuality depicted in this film? 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. 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.”

It’s essentially as Rowling has previously said of Dumbledore being gay in the Fantastic Beasts movies, that audiences just have to ‘watch this space’. This will presumably involve a deeper unpacking of the connection between Dumbledore and Grindelwald, as we know they were teenage friends and that Albus may have fallen for Gellert (reading between the lines), but we may discover that there was more to it than that.

Now though we get a fresh look at Law in action as Dumbledore in a new trailer, which includes a very deliberate shot of Dumbledore looking into the Mirror of Erised – a mirror that shows you the thing you desire the most – and seeing Grindelwald. We are presumably meant to wonder whether he’s seeing Grindelwald because he truly want to stop him, or whether it’s because he just wants him. Following the anger earlier in the year, it’s unlikely it’s a coincidence this shot was chosen for the trailer, allowing the makers to suggest that even if Dumbledore’s sexuality won’t be ‘explicit’ in this Fantastic Beasts film, it won’t be completely ignored either. At the moment though it’s two early to tel how it will be dealt with.

Take a look at the new trailer below. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald will be in cinemas in November. [Read more…]

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ACTORS: Jude Law, Eddie Redmayne, Johnny Depp DIRECTORS: David Yates FILMS: Fantastic Beasts 2

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Trailer – Jude Law’s young Dumbledore joins Eddie Redmayne’s Newt Scamander

March 13, 2018 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

As with Harry Potter, it seems that after a comparatively simple first instalment the world of Fantastic Beast is going to grow and become far more complex with its second instalment (there are five films planned in total). It will also be more directly linked to the Potter adventures with the inttroduction of Jude Law’s young Dumbledore, and an exploration of his battle with the evil Grindelwald which we heard about in Rowling’s book, but were given few details about.

Those links are underlined in the first trailer for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, which opens at Hogwarts while Law was just a teacher. Take a look at the trailer and poster for the movie below.

The film will be in cinemas on November 16th. [Read more…]

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ACTORS: Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, with Jude Law, Johnny Depp DIRECTORS: David Yates FILMS: Fantastic Beasts 2

Fantastic Beasts 2 Director David Yates Says Dumbledore Won’t Be ‘Explicitly’ Gay In The Sequel

January 31, 2018 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

Much to the ire of LGBTQ Harry Potter fans around the globe, Fantastic Beasts: The Crime Of Grindelwald director David Yates has revealed that the upcoming magical movie won’t be ‘explicitly’ dealing with Albus Dumbledore’s sexuality. Many had hoped that after both the Harry Potter books and films sidestepped the fact Dumbledore is gay – despite JK Rowling confirming this – it would be more apparent in the Fantastic Beast sequel, where a younger version of the future Hogwarts headmaster will be played by Jude Law.

Screenwriter Rowling has also previously said, “As far as his sexuality is concerned… Watch this space,” which many took to mean the film would address Dumbledore’s sexuality. However, when EW asked Yates whether the second Fantastic Beasts would indeed ackowledge that Dumbledore is gay, he said “Not explicitly.”

He then added, “I think all the fans are aware of that. He had a very intense relationship with Grindelwald when they were young men. They fell in love with each other’s ideas, and ideology and each other.”

Although Yates went on to try to excite fans with the idea of Law as a younger, more dynamic Dumbledore – “a maverick and a rebel and he’s an inspiring teacher at Hogwarts. He’s witty and has a bit of edge” – that won’t please those hoping for the film to properly represent Albus’ sexuality. Indeed, for many it will be rubbing salt into the wound, as there has been a growing feeling that Rowling has been a bit disengenuous by saying the character is gay – and receiving kudos for that – and then never creating anything that properly gives expression to it.

However, when Rowling said ‘Watch this space’, it was in the context of Fantastic Beast as a five-film series, which means we could be getting a gay Dumbeldore in a later movies. Even so, many will wonder why we have to wait, especially as the series will increasingly revolve around Dumbledore and Grindelwald, which is essentially a tragic tale of lovers turned enemies – but so far without ever admitting they were lovers.

CHECK OUT THESE RELATED ARCHIVES:
ACTORS: Jude Law DIRECTORS: David Yates FILMS: Fantastic Beasts 2

New Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Pics Give A Fresh Look At Jude Law’s Dumbledore

December 29, 2017 By Tim Isaac 1 Comment

In mid-November we got our first look at the cast of Fantastic Beast 2, along with the news that it would officially be titled, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. That included Jude Law as a younger Dumblebore.

Now a couple of new pics have been released, including a better look at Law’s future Hogwarts headmaster – or as some people have already taken to referring to him as, ‘Hot Dumbledore’. There’s also a new image featuring a mad-haired Johnny Depp as the evil Grindelwald, but as it’s currently feeling like it would have been better not to have him in the franchise at all, the less said about that the better.

Here’s the synopsis: ‘At the end of the first film, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Depp) was captured by MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), with the help of Newt Scamander (Redmayne). But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escaped custody and has set about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings.

‘In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore (Law) enlists his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.’

The film is due out November 2018. Take a look at the new pics below. [Read more…]

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ACTORS: Jude Law, Johnny Depp DIRECTORS: David Yates FILMS: Fantastic Beasts 2

First Look At Jude Law As Young Dumbledore As Fantastic Beasts 2 Gets A Name

November 16, 2017 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

Press release: ‘Warner Bros. Pictures announces “FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD” as the title of the second of five all new adventures in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World™. Opening November 16, 2018, the film features an ensemble cast led by Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, with Jude Law and Johnny Depp.

‘At the end of the first film, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Depp) was captured by MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), with the help of Newt Scamander (Redmayne). But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escaped custody and has set about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings.

‘I’n an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore (Law) enlists his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.

‘“FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD” is being directed by David Yates, from a screenplay by J.K. Rowling, and produced by David Heyman, J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves and Lionel Wigram.

‘(Left to right) JUDE LAW plays a young ALBUS DUMBLEDORE, taking on the mantle of one of J.K. Rowling’s most beloved characters; EZRA MILLER makes a return as the enigmatic CREDENCE, whose fate was unknown at the end of the first film; CLAUDIA KIM appears as a Maledictus, the carrier of a blood curse that destines her ultimately to transform into a beast; ZOË KRAVITZ plays LETA LESTRANGE, who had once been close to Newt Scamander but is now engaged to his brother; CALLUM TURNER joins the cast as Newt’s older brother, THESEUS SCAMANDER, a celebrated war hero and the Head of the Auror Office at the British Ministry of Magic; KATHERINE WATERSTON returns as TINA GOLDSTEIN, who has been reinstated as an Auror for MACUSA; EDDIE REDMAYNE stars again as wizarding world Magizoologist NEWT SCAMANDER, who has now gained fame in the wizarding world as the author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them; DAN FOGLER reprises the role of the only No-Maj in the group, JACOB KOWALSKI; ALISON SUDOL reprises the part of Tina’s
free-spirited sister, QUEENIE GOLDSTEIN, a Legilimens who can read minds; and JOHNNY DEPP returns as the powerful Dark wizard GELLERT GRINDELWALD in Warner Bros. Pictures’ “FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD.”” [Read more…]

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ACTORS: Jude Law, Ezra Miller, Eddie Redmayne, Johnny Depp DIRECTORS: David Yates FILMS: Fantastic Beasts 2

Callum Turner Will Be Eddie Redmayne’s Brother In Fantastic Beasts 2

April 22, 2017 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

It looks like we’re going to meet some of Newt Scamander’s relatives in the second Fantastic Beasts movie, as Variety reports that Callum Turner (Green Room, War & Peace), will play Newt’s brother.

No info about his role in the plot has been released, although it’s been suggested the character will be called Theseus Scamander, so perhaps there will be some echoes of the Greek hero who fought the minotaur. As well as Newt and his brother, the film will follow a troubled young Dumbledore, with the planned next four movies charting how he ended up in a climactic battle with Johnny Depp’s evil Grindelwald.

David Yates will one more direct the Paris-set sequel, which is due to start shooting this summer, for release at the end of 2018.

There are also plenty out there interested in whether Dumbledore will be shown as gay in the movies, and whether that involved a relationship with Grindelwald.

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ACTORS: Callum Turner, Eddie Redmayne DIRECTORS: David Yates FILMS: Fantastic Beasts 2

Jude Law Will Take On A Young (& Gay) Dumbledore In Fantastic Beasts Sequel

April 12, 2017 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

It’s been suggested that over the course of the five planned Fantastic Beasts movies, the focus will move away from Eddie Redmayne’s Newt Scamander and towards a young Albus Dumbledore. That makes sense, as from the Harry Potter books we know it’s Dumbledore who took on the evil Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) in a climactic battle in 1945.

Now we know who will play the future Hogwarts headmaster, as Warner Brothers has announced that Jude Law will take on the role. As the studio notes about Dumbledore in the announcement, in Fantastic Beasts 2, ‘We meet him decades earlier, when Dumbledore is still serving as the wizarding school’s Transfiguration professor. He is also a contemporary of Gellert Grindelwald, the charismatic dark wizard who believes wizards are superior to Muggles and No-Majs.’

Of course, JK Rowling has also revealed Dumbledore is gay, and there were hints in the Potter books that his early friendship with Grindelwald wasn’t purely platonic, before they fell out following the death of Albus’ sister. What’s not known is whether Dumbledore’s sexuality will come into play in the Fantastic Beasts films. However, Rowling has suggested he may be acknowleged as gay in the movies, saying in an interview, ‘As far as his sexuality is concerned… Watch this space.’

Director David Yates comments on 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.”

The sequel is set for release on November 16th, 2018.

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ACTORS: Jude Law DIRECTORS: David Yates FILMS: Fantastic Beasts 2

JK Rowling Hints Dumbledore May Be Openly Gay In Fantastic Beasts Sequels

November 11, 2016 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

In the last few weeks we’ve learned that the Harry Potter spin-off, Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them has expanded from a planned three films to five of them, that a young Dumbledore will feature in the sequels, and that Johnny Depp has come on board as the villainous Grindelwald.

The last fact ignited speculation that he would be Dumbledore’s lover in the movies. That actually seemed unlikely, as from Harry Potter we know the pair were estranged by the 1930s setting of Fantastic Beasts, and there is no definitive evidence they were more than friends as teens. Indeed, many wondered whether rather like the Potter books, Dumbledore would be essentially asexual, even if Rowling has said he’s gay elswhere.

However, now she’s hinted that the Fantastic Beasts movies may show the future Hogwarts headmaster as an openly and actively gay man. However, she’s still keeping people guessing, saying at a press conference about the relationship between Dumbledore and Grindelwald, “I can’t tell you everything I would like to say because this is obviously a five-part story so there’s lots to unpack in that relationship. You will see Dumbledore as a younger man and quite a troubled man – he wasn’t always the sage. We’ll see him at that formative period of his life.”

She then added, “As far as his sexuality is concerned… Watch this space.”

That would suggest the films will actively address Dumbledore’s sexuality – something that’s still incredibly rare in big budget Hollywood movies, especially family films.- although at the moment it’s still a wait and see situation, where we could be getting a fully fledged gay character, or one where his sexuality is just vaguely acknowledged. At least it appears the movies won’t ignore it completely and reading between the lines we could be seeing Albus being rather conflicted about his sexuality.

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DIRECTORS: David Yates FILMS: Fantastic Beasts 2, Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them