Albus Dumbledore Will Have a Role in the Fantastic Beasts Sequel

Now that there will probably be five Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them films, it makes sense that the plots will be more intricate, and that we might see more characters we recognize. While the first film hasn’t even hit theaters yet, we are already getting plenty of news about the planned sequel. Now, director David Yates has confirmed that Albus Dumbledore will be featured in the next installment.

Following recent news that Johnny Depp has been cast in the sequel, Yates confirmed the news about Dumbledore in a junket for Fantastic Beasts. “In the second movie Dumbledore comes back,” said Yates.”He’s got a couple of good scenes with Newt … We’re discussing who would play Dumbledore, any suggestions would be good.”

The role was played by the late Richard Harris, then Michael Gambon in the original series, and Gambon would not be entirely suitable as the new Dumbledore, who will likely be considerably younger. Fantastic Beasts takes place 70 years before the Potter films, after all.

The first installment of the Fantastic Beasts franchise is set to hit theaters on Nov. 18. After that, there will be a new installment every two or three years, just like every other franchise you’ve ever loved.