Jude Law has given us a vastly different take on Albus Dumbledore in ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald‘ than from what we’re used to in the “Harry Potter” movies and now we’re learning why. Yes, this is a younger take on the character but much of what has defined this one comes from J.K. Rowling. In fact, Dumbledore’s entire love for Newt Scamander was shaped by a conversation that Law had with Rowling.
According to the actor:
“This is something Jo Rowling said to me. The reason he loves Newt is that Newt loves beasts and I think he thinks he’s a beast. I think he thinks he’s dark, that he’s seen and done things that he wishes he hadn’t, and he’s constantly pulling himself back on the right moral side.”
Not only does this define why Dumbledore loves Newt, but it also helps give insight as to where Albus is at this point in his life and what he thinks about himself. While still a playful character, this isn’t’ the sage and almost grandfatherly version that audiences came to know and love in the “Harry Potter” films because he isn’t there yet. That isn’t where Dumbledore is in his life, and while shades of who he will become are clearly present, this younger take is still discovering who he is and trying to define himself as a person. Dumbledore almost walked the same path which we’ve seen Grindelwald on, and we’re getting exposed to these darker parts of his persona.
It is just as revealing that they are so dark that Rowling believes Dumbledore considers himself less than human and more beast because of them. With Scamander feeling that these creatures are misunderstood and not all evil, this is a view that Albus wants to embrace and live for himself.
Did you get the feeling that this is why Dumbledore is such a fan of Newt in ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’? Do you think that this basic concept shined through in the movie or are you glad we got this reasoning from the actor? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: Cinema Blend
