For as long as movies have been given sequels, fans have been wary of the continuations of their favorite films. Fans of the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ franchise are no different, as some have already made it known that they are not happy about some of the choices surrounding the ‘The Crimes of Grindelwald.’
Now, ‘Fantastic Beasts’ star Ezra Miller (Credence) has come forward with a response to those who are criticizing the film before they’ve seen it. In a recent interview, Miller said:
“Why don’t you wait until you see the film before you start talking s— on Twitter? Or wait to make up your own mind about something for once in your life. Do your own research. Make up your own mind. Follow your heart, and really, really investigate situations before you identify yourself and pick a side, and start throwing things at the opposition. Because that’s what’s totally screwing everything up right now. And it polarizes us. We’re all human, and there’s a lot of things we can agree on.”
Miller was specifically addressing the criticism over the relationship between Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) and Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp). The film’s director David Yates originally said the two characters were “not explicitly” gay, then later suggested that their relationship was heavily implied. Addressing the issue, Miller said:
“It’s a funny idea to me that every form of representation has to look the same. For me, personally, I find Dumbledore’s queerness extremely explicit in this film. I mean, all around. He sees Grindelwald, his young lover who’s the love of his life; he sees him in the Mirror of Erised. What does the Mirror of Erised show you? Nothing more than the most desperate desire of your heart. If that’s not explicitly gay, I don’t know what is. I think it’s also really powerful to have characters who are fascinating, dynamic people, doing magical works in the world, and that the story does not only pertain to their sexuality. People have to also take a moment and acknowledge the gift that Jo Rowling gave us by writing one of the greatest characters in literary history, one of the most beloved characters across the whole spectrum of civil society, and the beliefs and ideologies there; one of the most beloved characters; and then, at the end of writing that series, was like, ‘Oh, yeah, and he’s gay. What? Step to me.’ She is forever a god for that.”
‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’ opens in theaters on November 16!
