New ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Movie Finally Addresses Dumbledore’s Sexuality
The topic of whether Dumbledore was gay or not has been highly controversial over the years, with many Harry Potter fans all for it. Dating back to a conference from more than a decade ago when J.K. Rowling was asked directly about the Hogwarts professor’s love life, fans got their answer to one of the biggest unanswered questions in the HP series.
Now, with Fantastic Beasts giving us a more historical background to our beloved series, we’re learning about more than the incredibly unique creatures that exist in the magical world. We now get to learn more about the secretive Dumbledore himself—and his love for another man.
‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’ officially confirms Dumbledore’s sexuality
In the movie’s first scene, Grindlewald (Mads Mikkelsen) and Dumbledore (Jude Law) establish their relationship more clearly for the audience.
In fact, the conversation reveals what most of us have only ever expected (although Rowling confirmed his sexuality in 2007). Dumbledore tells the infamous wizard that the only reason he went along with his plan was “because I was in love with you.”
He later described his summer with him as the time when they “fell in love.”
This is huge news since it’s the first official confirmation of Dumbledore’s sexuality in a film—fans have only gotten confirmation behind the films about what they suspected was more than just a close friendship.
J.K. Rowling told fans the professor was gay 15 years ago
The idea that Dumbledore is gay isn’t one that’s catching anyone off guard. It’s been a topic of conversation for years! In fact, the 7-series author confirmed her belief that Dumbledore was gay all the way back in 2007.
According to a 2007 publication from EW, Rowling told a young fan at a conference in the New York City’s Carnegie Hall that “I always saw Dumbledore as gay.”
“Dumbledore fell in love with Grindelwald,” she continued saying in response to the young fan’s inquiry about his love life. “Don’t forget, falling in love can blind us. [He] was very drawn to this brilliant person. This was Dumbledore’s tragedy.”
About seven years later, and many many more tweets about it, Rowling once again supported the gay community. Responding to a tweet that read, “If Harry Potter taught us anything, it’s that no one should live in a closet,” the author retweeted on Twitter, “But of course.”
She still stands firm in her decision for Dumbledore to be gay, now shining more light on it in the new Secrets of Dumbledore series.
How do fans feel about the Hogwart’s professor being gay?
According to a Reddit post that asked users, “what’s everyone’s thoughts on Dumbledore being gay?” fans are all for it. One fan pointed out that the revelation made “reading about Dumbledore and Grindelwald a little more exciting.”
Another fan added, “I was confused by people who were upset at the gay reveal because I always thought it was the clear subtext in the seventh book. In the end, I’m okay with it.”
A third respondent said they were “happy to accept it in canon,” whatever sexuality Rowling decided on for Dumbledore in the new series.
Ultimately, she’s the author, and Dumbledore is her creation. The fact that Dumbledore is gay makes total sense to most of us — but either way, it’s a decision only she has the power to make.
