Before Fantastic Beasts opened across the country last weekend, it was confirmed that Young Dumbledore would play a key role in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 2. And since that time, fans have speculated on who could play the iconic wizard. One actor currently holding out hope that he gets the call is Jared Harris. And with good reason. He has direct family ties to the Harry Potter franchise.
While many fans have started lobbying for Jared Harris to play Young Dumbledore, the actor opened up about the possibility. And he admits that he hasn't gotten the call. But he'd certainly take it if he did. Harris' late father Richard Harris played Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter movies, and now some believe this is simply Jared's birthright.
Speaking with Standard in the U.K., Harris believes that Warner Bros. is seriously considering him for the role. He explains.
"They're obviously thinking about it. I haven't heard anything and I don't expect to. It's not up to me. Having seen [fan campaigns] before I find that [film bosses] don't like to have their hands forced. These campaigns almost always go in a different direction."
Basically what he is saying is, don't lobby so hard and he might just get it. The producers don't necessarily want to listen to fans when it comes to these kinds of decisions. Johnny Depp has already been confirmed as Dumbledore's old friend and lover Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts 2. Though, it hasn't been confirmed that the movie will delve into their sexual relationship yet.
Fans have been tweeting their request for Jared Harris to take on the role, bombarding Harry Potter author and creator of this universe J.K. Rowling. Fans know the connection between Jared Harris and his father having played old Dumbledore, and they believe the family tradition should be preserved.
Another actor who has thrown their hat into the Young Dumbledore ring is Doctor Who actor Arthur Darvill. And he wants to help transition the young wizard into the older gentlemen we've all come to know and love in the earlier movies. Here's what Darvill had to say about possibly tackling the role of a lifetime.
"Absolutely, [I'm up for it]. D'you know what? I've made this pact with myself that when I hit a certain age, I'm only going to play wizards. I want to be that guy. So whether it's 10 years down the line or...when I can grow a salt and pepper beard, I would be totally happy just playing wizards for the rest of my life. But yeah, if they came knocking saying, 'We really want you to play the young Dumbledore,' I'd definitely consider it!"
Arthur Darvill played Rory Williams on Doctor Who, but is perhaps known to younger fans for his role as Rip Hunter on The CW's Legends of Tomorrow. At this time, no further casting announcements have been made for Fantastic Beasts 2. David Yates will return to direct the movie, with J.K. Rowling once again providing the screenplay. It begins shooting summer 2017.