The recent unveiling of the first cast photo for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, the second entry in the Harry Potter spinoff series, was an exciting moment for fans as it gave us our first look at Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore. The sequel will explore the younger days of the beloved wizard that we previously got to know as an elderly Hogwarts headmaster (brilliantly played by both Richard Harris and Michael Gambon).
Picking the right actor to portray this fresh take on one of the most familiar characters in the Wizarding World was crucial, then, and after a much-scrutinized search, Law was eventually awarded the highly-coveted role. While chatting with EW, producer David Heyman was on hand to explain why the British actor was the perfect person to bring young Dumbledore to life.
“He’s got authority, he’s got a twinkle in his eye, he’s sometimes a bit elliptical. So you have that but also have this youthful energy and jubilance. So he brings that twinkle, mischief, authority, and power, but at the same time brings far more youthful energy to the film. You understand why he would be your favorite teacher and be someone you believe is an extraordinary wizard.”
If anyone out there did have any doubts that Law was the right man for the job, the Fantastic Beasts cast photo should have totally squashed those. With the addition of a beard, he looks spot on for the part. There’s even something of a young Richard Harris about him.
The other area that Law needs to succeed in is his chemistry with Johnny Depp’s Grindelwald. As Potterheads know, the two powerful wizards were once best friends (with Albus even falling in love with Gellert) before Grindelwald turned to the dark side. So, there needs to be a great sense of rivalry but also affection between the two characters.
We’ll see if Law’s casting adds some extra magic to the movie when Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald hits theaters on November 16, 2018.
