Jude Law, who plays a young Albus Dumbledore in Fantastic Beasts 3, spoke about the importance and reverence he has for the role of the iconic wizard. The series serves as a prequel to Harry Potter, taking place several decades before Harry joins Hogwarts. The role of Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts and one of Harry's chief mentors, was played by Richard Harris in the first two Harry Potter films and then Michael Gambon after Harris' death in 2002. Dumbledore is unquestionably one of the most iconic characters from the series and had an enormous influence on Harry's growth as a wizard.
Because the series takes place decades before Harry Potter was even born, obviously, Dumbledore needed to be recast. Law was cast in 2017 and was set to make his first appearance as Dumbledore in 2018's Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. While reception to the film itself was mixed, Law's performance was generally well-received despite his relatively short amount of screen time. Some argue that, given both the importance of the character and his relationship with Grindelwald, that Law's Dumbledore should have been the main character of the series instead of Newt Scamander.
Speaking with his Fantastic Beasts co-star Dan Fogler on his podcast DAN FOGLER'S 4d Xperience!, Law spoke about his feelings on playing Dumbledore. The actor reflected on the importance that Dumbledore has not only within the story of Fantastic Beasts, but what the character means to fans of Harry Potter and pop culture in general. Law mentions how important he views his role and how he strives to make something special in order to live up to what the Potter universe has done in the past. Check out Law's full statement below:
"I’m so happy to be in this company and I’m so happy to be playing this character. It feels like every day we make these films, it feels like such a blessing. And there’s also such a sense of well, it’s the reverence I suppose because they hold such a special place in so many people. Hold people’s hearts and lives. I’ve never really felt that the way I have on this job. The responsibility that comes with that. But it’s a beautiful thing too it’s like being given a really precious artifact or something that you have to look after, maybe clean up a bit."
Law's reassuring comments come during a very tumultuous time for Fantastic Beasts and the Harry Potter series. And while Law's uplifting comments don't wash away the onslaught of controversies that has dogged the series, it is reassuring to hear some news about Fantastic Beasts that is overtly positive. The Harry Potter series' impact on pop culture can't be understated. It's nice to know how highly Law regards the role and knows what it means for people. While little is known about Fantastic Beasts 3, hopefully, Law's comments point toward care and thoughtfulness behind the project that could create something special.
