'Fantastic Beasts' 2 news: J.K. Rowling teases possibility for openly gay Dumbledore in sequels

Although the "Harry Potter" books and films never directly stated that Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore was gay, the fact was revealed by author J.K. Rowling in 2007, when she launched the series' last book "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." Recently, Rowling teased that the forthcoming films of the prequel "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" could show an openly gay Dumbledore.

At a press conference for the first installment of the five-part series, Rowling responded to reporters who asked about Dumbledore being gay, saying, "Well, I'm very comfortable with the question." She added, "I would like to say because this is obviously a five-part story, there's lots to unpack in that relationship."

"You will see Dumbledore as a younger man and quite a troubled man," Rowling said. "We'll see him at that formative period of his life. As far as his sexuality is concerned," she said.

When Rowling first revealed Dumbledore's sexual orientation, she told fans that the young brilliant wizard fell in love once with a former friend and an equally brilliant wizard named Gellert Grindelwald.

Though the first film will not feature Dumbledore, the four sequels will depict a young Dumbledore and Grindelwald. So far, the production team hasn't revealed the younger version of the Hogwarts headmaster. On the other hand, Grindelwald will be portrayed by Johnny Depp.

The "Fantastic Beasts" series is based on the books penned by author-turned-magizoologist Newt Scamander, who will be portrayed by Eddie Redmayne. Aside from the aforementioned actors, the film will feature Carmen Ejogo, Ezra Miller, Katherine Waterston, Jon Voight, and Colin Farrell.

"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" is slated to premiere in the U.K. and in the U.S. on Friday, Nov. 18. Watch out for more updates on J.K. Rowling's "Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them."