Don’t Expect An Explicitly Gay Dumbledore In FANTASTIC BEASTS 2

In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald director David Yates says his sequel will, in fact, feature a gay Dumbledore. It's just that Dumbledore won't be doing anything, y'know, outwardly gay.

Asked whether Dumbledore's known sexuality would factor into the film, Yates says:

"Not explicitly. But I think all the fans are aware of that. 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.”

So what will Jude Law's Dumbledore be like in this movie?

“He’s a maverick and a rebel and he’s an inspiring teacher at Hogwarts. 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.” 

As you might expect, some fans are displeased with the notion of a Fantastic Beasts sequel featuring a Dumbledore who is not explicitly gay (specifically: why bother aiming for representation and inclusivity if you're only going to pay it lip service?), but if we can engage in some patented Real Talk™ for a moment: the powers-that-be did not see fit to remove Depp from this franchise in the wake of Hollywood's ongoing - and wildly important! - feminist movement, despite what felt a lot like widespread outcry from fans. Are we really meant to be shocked at another less-than-progressive choice? 

To be fair: Fantastic Beasts creator JK Rowling did intimate that the franchise would address Dumbledore's sexuality to some degree ("As far as his sexuality is concerned … watch this space", were the exact words), so maybe fans should be a little shocked.

Anyway, we suspect you folks will have some thoughts to share on this one. Please do so in the comments below, and be aware that Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald is still slated to hit theaters on November 16th, 2018.