Along with Gandalf the Grey, Albus Dumbledore is one of the most famous wizards in literature and film. The character of Old Dumbledore was first made famous on film by Sir Richard Harris in 2002 and later played by Michael Gambon.
Dumbledore was the headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry when Harry Potter first began to learn about magic. But Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will explore the wizarding world decades before Harry was born.
Variety reported on April 12 that the role of Young Dumbledore for the new Fantastic Beasts movie has now been cast. Two-time Academy Award nominee Jude Law will portray Dumbledore long before he becomes Harry’s mentor.
Related: Ian McKellen reveals why he turned down the role of Dumbledore
The sequel to the first film will both explore Dumbledore as a young man, as well as the life of his love interest and the film’s villain, Gellert Grindlewald, played by Johnny Depp.
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. “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.”