Jude Law To Play Young Dumbledore In Fantastic Beasts 2

When it was understood that Harry Potter creator J. K. Rowling was expanding her world with a prequel series, all manner of opportunities opened up for the franchise. The writer's original adaptations beginning with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone up until Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 made a reported $6.5b combined at the box office. Making the franchise a moneymaking machine.

2016's fantasy adventure title Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them would act as the first spinoff. A prequel predating the adventures of Harry, Ron and Hermione at Hogwarts. This week, the Fantastic Beasts sequel has cast 44-year old Jude Law to play Albus Dumbledore, a part that was played by Richard Harris and later reprized by Michael Gambon after his death.

Jude To Journey Where Potter Fans Have Not Ventured Before

Jude Law in Dom Hemingway

Director David Yates is said to return to the hot seat for the follow up. And boy is he excited at the opportunity to use Law's skills to cover the life and times of the wizard that was overlooked in his later years.

“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,” Yates remarked to Variety. “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 Rowling script is said to have a more darker and sinister tone than the original, as Eddie Redmayne's Newt Scamander is forced to choose his allegiances very carefully moving forward. President and Chief Content Officer of Warner Brothers Pictures Toby Emmerich explained that Law has a strong link with the studio tracing back to his earlier career. And the relationship should be a neat fit for both parties.

“As fans ourselves, we are thrilled to have Jude Law joining the Fantastic Beasts cast, playing a character so universally adored,” Emmerich said. “Jude has been a member of the Warner Brothers family for years and we’re excited to embark on this new adventure with him.”

Law of the Land as Jude Beats Strong Competition

Benedict Cumberbatch and Mark Strong

Law's landing of Dumbledore was not without a struggle, getting the better of some of his peers and compatriots who were angling to play a rebooted hero. They included the likes of Doctor Strange star Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Strong, Jared Harris and even The Dark Knight's own Christian Bale.

Fortunately for the two-time Academy Award nominee, he will have the chance to portray the role for the sequel and perhaps longer into the series. Law will join Johnny Depp on set, as he takes on the villain Grindelwald.

Source: Variety

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