J.K. Rowling shares thoughts on ‘Fantastic Beasts,’ Depp casting

The Wizarding World of “Harry Potter” is back, thanks to the upcoming “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” film, which was scripted by series author J.K. Rowling herself. In anticipation of the movie’s release, Rowling shared her thoughts on the new film franchise, Johnny Depp, and Dumbledore.

The state of the world

Apparently, the world’s current state served as Rowling’s inspiration for the movie’s themes of authoritarianism, xenophobia, and oppression.

“I hope when people see the movie, they will understand that it grew out of things that are very important to me in the world at the moment,” she said.

About the film and its 1920s setting, she said:

“This period was threatening to become very dystopian. You were looking at the rise of a very dark force. I conceived the story a few years ago, and I think I was partly informed by a rise in populism around the world.”

Johnny Depp

A good number of “Harry Potter” fans were outraged when it was revealed that Johnny Depp was going to play an important character in the film series. Depp allegedly physically attacked his wife, Amber Heard, which, to some fans, makes him ineligible to assume any sort of role in a franchise that openly criticizes abuse.

Depp is set to play Gellert Grindelwald, an evil wizard who can be likened to Voldemort.

While Rowling wasn’t behind the decision to cast Depp in this role, she isn’t against it, either.

“I didn’t approach him – although he was approached with my full blessing, because I thought he’d be amazing in the part,” she explained. “I can’t say much, because there are surprises in the movie, but I’m really happy with his performance. And I think the fans will be, too.”

Depp’s appearance in the first “Fantastic Beasts” movie will be short, but he will grow in prominence as the series progresses.

“He’s obviously a cameo in this film but going forward will obviously be more important,” stated Rowling. “Watching Johnny create a character is really quite remarkable, it’s fascinating. It’s great as a writer to work with people like that.”

Rowling is pleased with the movie’s cast.

“We have an amazing cast, and they have amazing chemistry together,” Rowling said. “ ‘Potter’ sets were always very happy places, and this is another. It’s just a very nice place to be.”

Albus Dumbledore

Previous rumors that Dumbledore will be in the new films have been proven true.

Michael Gambon, who played the benevolent wizard in a majority of the “Harry Potter” films, won’t be reprising the role, however. We will be seeing a younger Dumbledore in “Fantastic Beasts,” which means the studio requires a younger actor.

Rowling has an actor in mind, but she isn’t keen on revealing his identity.

“I have, of course, thought about this,” she said. “I do have a name. I do have someone in mind, but I can’t say it. Because if that person doesn’t get cast, then the person who does get cast will blame me forever for having said it, won’t they? So, I’m going to just keep quiet.”

She provided an enigmatic response when asked to elaborate on Dumbledore’s sexuality in the films.

“Well, 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. I will say that you will see Dumbledore as a younger man, and quite a troubled man because he wasn’t always the sage. He was always very clever, but we’ll see what I think was the formative period of his life. As far as his sexuality is concerned, watch the space.”

Rowling feels we need more movies like “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” in today’s trying times.

“Anytime you release a movie, you’d like to think you’ll give everyone a couple of hours of pleasure, and solace, for everyone – because life’s tricky, right? And that’s why we make movies, and like music, and maybe I feel that hopefully, putting out something that’s lovable in this world in this moment is not a bad thing.” — BM, GMA News