Fantastic Beasts 2 likely to explore Dumbledore's sexuality: 'Watch this space' hints JK Rowling

'He was always very clever, but we’ll see what I think was the formative period of his life'

Following the announcement Johnny Depp would play Gellert Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts series, attention turned to how the infamous villain’s relationship with Albus Dumbledore would be portrayed on screen.

As mentioned in the Harry Potter films, Dumbledore defeated Grindelwald in a three-hour duel, winning the Elder Wand’s allegiance as a result (the Elder Wand being one of the three Deathly Hallows, teased in a recent poster).

Before their relationship fell apart Grindelwald and Dumbledore were best friends, becoming enamoured by the Deathly Hallows together: however, a fight between Dumbledore’s brother Aberforth and Grindelwald led to their sister’s death and resulted in the friendship ending.

JK Rowling has previously spoken about the close relationship between the Hogwarts headmaster and the dark wizard, saying Dumbledore was once in love with the dark wizard.

While fans have therefore known the sexuality of Dumbledore for almost a decade, his relationship with Grindelwald has never been portrayed on screen. Thanks to the five upcoming Fantastic Beasts films, Rowling has hinted their romantic relationship will be touched upon.

“Well, 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,” the author told Screen Crush at the first film’s premiere.

“I will say that you will see Dumbledore as a younger man, and quite a troubled man because he wasn’t always the sage. He was always very clever, but we’ll see what I think was the formative period of his life. As far as his sexuality is concerned, watch the space.”

‘Watch this space’ could, of course, mean anything, but with Rowling being a supporter of the LBGT community, she will likely at least attempt to persuade Warner Bros. to allow Dumbledore’s sexuality to be seen on screen.

Meanwhile, the studio has yet to reveal who will be playing a young Dumbledore in upcoming films. However, The Independent has put forward a few potential options, including Colin Firth, Ewan McGregor and Mark Rylance.