JUDE LAW TO PLAY YOUNG ALBUS DUMBLEDORE IN NEXT FANTASTIC BEASTS FILM…

Brit, Jude Law will play a young Albus Dumbledore in the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them sequel.

The 44-year-old actor has been cast in the role – originally played by Richard Harris and then Michael Gambon in the Harry Potter film franchise – in the hotly-anticipated movie, which stars Eddie Redmayne in the lead role.

Director David Yates said: ‘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. David also said, ‘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 iconic wizard was played by two actors in the Harry Potter films, beginning with Richard Harris. After his death in 2002, Michael Gambon inherited the role.

Dumbledore was a contemporary of dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald, set to be played by Johnny Depp in the franchise.

In November last year, Rowling teased she had found her Dumbledore.

She said: ‘I have, of course, thought about this. I do have a name. I do have someone in mind, but I can’t say it!”

Not long to wait: Production on the next Fantastic Beasts film is to begin this summer, with a release scheduled for November next year

J.K. Rowling, who has said Dumbledore is gay, has previously teased that the five-part prequel franchise of Fantastic Beasts will explore a more ‘troubled’ time in Dumbledore’s life.

The author said: ‘We’ll see him at that formative period of his life. As far as his sexuality is concerned, watch this space.’

Prequel: The Fantastic Beasts sequel will focus on Dumbledore’s early career as Hogwarts’ Transfiguration professor, long before he was the Headmaster at the wizarding school. JK Rowling recently teased she had already penned the script

Production on the next Fantastic Beasts film is to begin this summer, with a release scheduled for November next year.

Last year’s Fantastic Beasts grossed $813 worldwide. The first sequel to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is slated for release in November 2018.