Director Says Dumbledore Won't Be 'Explicitly' Gay in 'Fantastic Beasts' Sequel, Rowling Speaks Out

The sequel to the "Harry Potter" spinoff film "Fantastic Beasts" will feature a young version of Albus Dumbledore (played by Jude Law), the wise professor and headmaster of the wizarding school Hogwarts. Over a decade ago, author J.K. Rowling revealed the character is gay, but the director of "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald," due out this year, says Dumbledore's sexuality will not be directly discussed in the new movie.

David Yates specifically said Dumbledore being gay will "not explicitly" be mentioned in the film, according to Entertainment Weekly.

"But I think all the fans are aware of that," he said. "He had a very intense relationship with Grindelwald when they were young men. They fell in love with each other's ideas, and ideology, and each other."

Yates went on to discuss what the young Dumbledore will be like in "The Crimes of Grindelwald."

"He's a maverick and a rebel, and he's an inspiring teacher at Hogwarts," the director said, according to EW. "He's witty and has a bit of edge. He's not this elder statesman. He's a really kinetic guy. And opposite Johnny Depp as Grindelwald, they make an incredible pairing."

Nevertheless, there are still three additional "Fantastic Beasts" sequels coming, so there's an opportunity for Dumbledore to be an out and proud wizard.

Rowling took to Twitter after news of Yates comments spread online, saying that fans who took issue with the director's handling of Dumbledore's sexuality are jumping to conclusions about what they've planned for the character.

EW points out Rowling hinted two years ago that Dumbledore would eventually come out as gay in the five-film series.

"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," she said. "You will see Dumbledore as a younger man and quite a troubled man - he wasn't always the sage...We'll see him at that formative period of his life. As far as his sexuality is concerned ... watch this space."

"The Crimes of Grindelwald" hits theaters on Nov. 16 and Law alongside Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Ezra Miller, Johnny Depp, Zo� Kravitz and more.