While writer J.K. Rowling has admitted that the wizard is gay, director David Yates says Dumbledore will 'not explicitly' be gay in the 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' sequel.
- Feb 1, 2018
AceShowbiz - It seems like fans won't see the exploration of Dumbledore's sexuality in "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald". Though "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling has admitted that the wizard is gay, director David Yates has confirmed there won't be a gay storyline for Dumbledore in the "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" sequel.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Yates said the sequel, at least, would not "explicitly" reference Dumbledore's sexuality. "Not explicitly," the helmer told the news outlet, before adding, "But 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."
Yates then talked a bit more about what Dumbledore's like in the second "Fantastic Beasts" film. "He's a maverick and a rebel and he's an inspiring teacher at Hogwarts," the helmer dished about the wizard, played by Jude Law. "He's witty and has a bit of edge. He's not this elder statesman. He's a really kinetic guy. And opposite Johnny Depp as Grindelwald, they make an incredible pairing."
Two years ago, Rowling said at a press conference, "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." She told fans, "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. As far as his sexuality is concerned...watch this space."
Following Yates' interview, Rowling appeared to weigh in on Twitter. She wrote, "Being sent abuse about an interview that didn't involve me, about a screenplay I wrote but which none of the angry people have read, which is part of a five-movie series that's only one instalment in, is obviously tons of fun, but you know what's even *more* fun?"
Being sent abuse about an interview that didn't involve me, about a screenplay I wrote but which none of the angry people have read, which is part of a five-movie series that's only one instalment in, is obviously tons of fun, but you know what's even *more* fun? pic.twitter.com/Rj6Zr8aKUk
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 31, 2018
Fans don't have to worry about Dumbledore's sexuality not being explored in the second film, as there will be three more movies in the "Fantastic Beasts" film series. So the exploration of the wizard's sexuality isn't out of the question just yet.
"The Crimes of Grindelwald" is set for a November 16 release in the United States.
