Jude Law to play Dumbledore in Fantastic Beasts sequel

Jude Law will play young Albus Dumbledore in the next Fantastic Beastsinstalment.

Warner Bros. announced the casting Tuesday. The iconic wizard was played by two actors in the Harry Potterfilms, beginning with Richard Harris. After his death in 2002, Michael Gambon inherited the role.

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J.K. Rowling, who has said Dumbledore is gay, has previously teased that the five-part prequel franchise of Fantastic Beastswill 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."

Director David Yates weighed in on the casting, calling Law a "phenomenally talented actor."

"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," he said.

Production on the next Fantastic Beastsfilm is to begin this summer, with a release scheduled for November next year. Eddie Redmayne returns as Newt Scamander, while Johnny Depphas been cast as Gellert Grindelwald.

Last year's Fantastic Beastsgrossed $813 millionUS worldwide.

It's yet another young character for Law, after his turninThe Young Pope something people online have been eager to point out.