‘Fantastic Beasts’ Sequel Won’t Address Dumbledore’s Sexuality
Back in 2007, after Deathly Hollows was published, J.K. Rowling revealed through an interview that even though it was never said, Dumbledore was gay and had been in love with the infamous Dark Wizard Gellert Grindelwald, back when the two of them were young.
So, naturally, right after the announcement that Fantastic Beasts The Crimes of Grindelwald would be featuring a young Albus Dumbledore -played by Jude Law- and would be facing Gellert Grindelwald, fans all over the world were eager to see if the movies would finally address Dumbledore’s sexuality and his complicated relationship with said wizard.
However, in a recent interview regarding the upcoming sequel of Fantastic Beasts, David Yates -the director of said film- revealed that Dumbledore’s sexuality won’t be explicitly addressed, but “fans will know”.
“Not explicitly,” was his response when asked if the film makes it clear that Dumbledore is gay. “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.”
As a result of that response, fans were angry at this response, stating that queerbaiting was once again present in mainstream media, resulting in them lashing out on Rowling -who wrote the script and acts as Executive Producer of the films.
In retaliation, the author wrote a tweet where she implied that we could see this part of the story playing out in the future while stating that she’ll be muting everyone who insults her.
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
Although we won’t be seeing Dumbledore as a gay man, we will, in fact, be seeing a man different from the headmaster we knew in Harry Potter, according to David Yates at least.
“He’s a maverick and a rebel and he’s an inspiring teacher at Hogwarts. 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.”
What do you think about this news? Are you happy, sad, angry or indifferent about this decision?
Let us know in the comment section down below!
Fantastic Beasts The Crimes of Grindelwald premieres on November 16, 2018.
Source: Entertainment Weekly.
