News of the casting for the younger Albus Dumbledore has excited Wizarding World fans! Jude Law has been cast to portray Dumbledore for the next Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them film. The Pottermore announcement also hints at surprises coming to fans in how Dumbledore will be portrayed.
I've got a new video covering the announcement below and discussion is ongoing in the comments on my YouTube channel. Be sure to check it out and subscribe.
Transcript is below the video.
Video:
Transcript:
Hey guys, we’ve got some breaking news for Fantastic Beasts 2. Albus Dumbledore has been cast! I’m Susan Şipal with Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts to bring you the news.
So, fresh off my most recent video, Is Dougal the Demiguise Really Dumbledore in Animagus Form, we’ve got new reports which include a couple of hints for Albus Dumbledore’s role in the upcoming Fantastic Beasts 2.
Pottermore announced, and JK Rowling Tweeted, that Jude Law has been cast to portray our favorite Headmaster of Hogwarts in the days before he was Headmaster. Pottermore confirms that at this point in the story, Dumbledore will be Hogwarts’ Transfiguration professor.
Jude Law is a well known and respected actor, nominated for many awards for both film and theater, including two Academy Awards. He has also starred with many previous Wizarding World alumni, including Colin Farrell and Johnny Depp.
For all of us speculating as to what secrets the new (old) presentation of Dumbledore will reveal, here’s an interesting quote in the Pottermore article from David Yates: “I know he will brilliantly capture all the unexpected facets of Albus Dumbledore as J.K. Rowling reveals this very different time in his life.” (via Pottermore).
Unexpected facets…very different time. Looks like we need to continue our prior discussions on what surprises and twists we can expect from this younger Dumbledore. Especially now that we know the actor who will portray him.
We also get a slight reveal of the upcoming plot as the article states: “Its sequel takes the story deeper into an increasingly dark time for the wizarding world, where Newt and our other heroes must decide on their allegiances.” (Pottermore)
Truly, it’s not too much to go on as we knew the films would get darker. But this does place Newt firmly as the main protagonist and brings up the possibility that the Team may not go forward totally united…at least for a while.
The article also confirms the Fantastic Beasts 2 release date as November 16, 2018, and that filming will begin this summer, though it doesn’t state specifically which month.
What do you think about this casting? Are you excited to see what Jude Law will bring to the role of Dumbledore? Do you think there is the possibility that there could be a split of allegiance among Newt, Tina, Queenie, and Jacob?
Please share your thoughts in the comments and check out my other fan theory videos in the playlist. Be sure to subscribe so you won’t miss future film updates and any clues they may hold.
I've been having a lot of fun lately posting Fantastic Beasts theory videos on my YouTube channel. I find this medium very creative and the immediate response from viewers is great!
However, I've been slow to post these videos here, so I'm going to catch up this week. I'm posting my latest video below along with its transcript and hope you will check it out on YouTube. You can find my channel here.
Also, if any authors out there are using YouTube to further your reach, I'd love to know how it's going with you and will be glad to share some of my experience if you're interested.
What Does Grindelwald Mean by "Will We Die, Just a Little?" in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them?
Transcript:
Hello. Welcome back to Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts. I’m Susan Şipal.
When I was working on my last video, “Is Newt Scamander a Spy?” I was suddenly struck by inspiration as to what Grindelwald might have meant by “Will we die, just a little?” Which we’re about to explore. But before I do, I ask that you stay tuned until the end of the video because I’m giving away a free Harry Potter fan theory ebook.
I covered many theories like this in my book, Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts, and hope you’ll check it out.
I’ve seen many theories of what Grindelwald meant by “Will we die, just a little?” (p. 257) But none of them sit right with me, including my earlier one that it relates to the Elder Wand. I don’t think it’s about a Horcrux, or the Hallows, or referring sexually to petite mort. And even though David Yates said yesterday that it’s about the journey and sacrifice both Grindelwald and Newt are about to embark on, I think that’s true only on one level.
Always remember, JK Rowling is intent upon keeping secrets, especially those that are important to the series. And this quote has a deeper meaning.
I believe the biggest clue to what Grindelwald means comes through the scene where he says it. And it revolves around the Obscurus.
To understand the relation better, we need to first understand what the Obscurus is.
Newt calls the Obscurus “a parasitical magical force” (p. 160). We’ve already seen that a skilled wizard can detach one from its human host, the Obscurial. The question is, if the Obscurus can be detached from one person, can it be reattached elsewhere?
By calling it a parasite, Jo implies this exact possibility. A parasite can be transferred from one living
host to another, as any pet owner can testify. Inside Newt’s case, we saw the environment the Obscurus was stored in, a frozen one. Almost as if it were put into a deep freeze. What would happen to it in a warm environment?
Grindelwald has also seen Newt’s Obscurus. He took a nip into Newt’s case when he had Newt and Tina imprisoned. He learned that Newt knows more about the Obscurus than he does. He heard that Newt has detached an Obscurus from another Obscurial, has witnessed that Newt knows how to store the Obscurus.
To defend himself to Tina, Newt says: “It cannot survive outside that box” (p. 159).
So the Obscurus needs to be either attached to an Obscurial, or kept in Newt’s deep freeze.
Newt also says it cannot harm anyone. Grindelwald clarifies: “So it’s useless
without its host?” (p. 159)
But, what if it could find another host? Perhaps a willing one? Perhaps a very mature, powerful, adult wizard.
I believe that in the films to come, both Grindelwald and Newt will seek to take on the Obscurus from Credence. And in so doing, perhaps die, just a little.
I think the whole purpose of showing Jacob with the Obscurus is to hint at this possibility. Why would Newt warn Jacob away from the Obscurus if he truly believed it were completely harmless? Newt’s sharp reprimand to Jacob to stay away hints at his fear that it could indeed reattach. Perhaps Newt doesn’t consider it likely because it has never happened. But then, he is the first wizard to detach one from an Obscurial, and he cannot be sure. So much of what is going on with the Obscurus is unknown. No one knew until Credence that an Obscurial could be an adult.
I believe Rowling made Credence an adult for a very specific reason, and it is to hint at the possibility of Grindelwald and Newt trying to take on the Obscurus themselves. If it were true that only a child could host this parasite, then they could not attempt it. But they and the viewer have seen through
Credence that an adult can host it, if he is very powerful and knows how to control it.
“You can control it,” Grindelwald says to Credence (p. 229). This is a very important point.
Because he is an adult, Credence has both more power than other Obscurials, and control. That massive power and control will appeal to Grindelwald.
Most Obscurials cannot control their Obscurus because they are children. We know how rare they are, as most witches and wizards believe they are extinct.
Tina says, “There hasn’t been one for centuries” (p. 150). But Newt immediately disputes that by telling about the girl he met in Sudan. Might no one have known of another Obscurial
who was kept well hidden many years before?
Many fans believe that Dumbledore’s sister, Ariana, was an Obscurial. Having witnessed her power, is probably the reason why Grindelwald is in New York…on the trail of an even rarer Obscurial.
Ariana couldn’t control her power. But Credence is unique. He is Grindelwald’s key to freedom, and
he will not let go.
“We’ll all be free,” he tells Credence (p. 89). If they find the Obscurus. And now Grindelwald has found two.
In considering the most likely meaning of “Will we die, just a little,” we must take into account what binds these three characters together the most: the Obscurus. Both Grindelwald and Newt share an immense interest in Credence. Gindelwald to use his powers to free himself and all wizards from what he sees as imprisonment under the Statute of Secrecy. Newt due to his driving concern to protect all magical creatures, and to save an Obscurial after he couldn’t before. And Tina was probably forbidden from being near the Second Salemers solely to keep her from finding out about Grindelwald’s interest in the Obscurus.
At the end, we see Tina, Newt, and Grindelwald fighting side by side to protect Credence, all claiming to want to help him, to free him. Newt is the only man who knows more about
the Obscurus than Grindelwald. And Tina, Grindelwald says, is always turning up where she’s least wanted.
The Obscurial is at the heart of this series and how those around Credence will seek to either help him or manipulate him for, perhaps for their own benefit.
One other point: Grindelwald has visions. He told Credence that he saw the Obscurial in close proximity to Credence’s mother and that it would be Credence who gained the child’s trust. However, Jo said on Twitter that while Grindelwald is indeed a Seer, he also lies about his visions.
Remember too, as discussed in my video: Could Credence’s Deathly Hallows Pendant Help Release Gindelwald from Prison?, Grindelwald probably possesses a direct link to Credence that will not only serve as a get out of jail free card, but reconnect him to this powerful Obscurial. Check the description below for a link to the video.
What I think happened is this: When Grindelwald was being escorted out, he had a blast of a vision. That’s why he stopped so abruptly. I’m guessing he saw a hint of him and Newt seeking to take on the Obscurus. Maybe he taunts Newt with it because he senses Newt’s involvement might be the only way he himself can figure out how to either harness Credence’s powers or attach the Obscurus to himself.
Note: Grindelwald is escorted out before Newt sees the wisp of Obscurus escaping the subway. But Grindelwald already saw the Obscurus in Newt’s case and knows that it can live without its host. I think Rowling timed the viewing of the wisp deliberately. If Grindelwald had seen the wisp, then said, “Will we die, just a little,” his meaning might have been too obvious.
Through all this there is one other relationship to consider. Tina and Newt form the perfect partnership in their concern for Credence – he is another link bringing them together as a couple.
Tina lost her job protecting Credence. And Newt will risk his life trying to save him. It is a powerful bond between them. I wonder, though, how Newt’s possible decision to take on the Obscurus would affect their relationship. Would Tina be supportive, or would Newt’s transformation drive a wedge between them? Unfortunately, we have so many years to wait for the rest of the movies to find out!
For over a dozen years, I have analyzed the secrets of JK Rowling’s wizarding world. I’ve presented workshops at home and internationally, written articles, and published books. Some of the secrets that I enjoyed discovering the most were the Egyptian myths Jo hid throughout the Harry Potter series.
I’ve pulled together nine of my favorite theories, written over many years, in this one collection that you can only get here. As you are fans as well, and to thank you for watching my videos, I’d love to share these theories with you for free and see what you think. All you have to do is click on the link I’m providing above and in the description below. You’ll be asked to subscribe to me on YouTube
if you don’t already, and you can choose to follow me on Twitter so you can always be up to date on my newest releases, latest giveaways, and most recent news for Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts fans. Then you’ll get the 42-page 9-theory PDF download. That’s it.
Oh, the download also comes with discount coupons to my other books: A Writer’s Guide to Harry Potter, Teaching Harry Potter to Creative Writers, and Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts. Plus, a discount on my story consulting services. Just follow the links above and below. I hope you enjoy! And I can’t wait to hear your thoughts.
What do you think about Grindelwald’s “Will we die, just a little?” Share your thoughts in the comments. I’ve got more videos coming, so be sure to subscribe. And remember to check the description below for links to "Is Newt a Spy" video, the free ebook, and any current giveaways.
SPOILERS ABOUND! DO NOT PROCEED IF YOU HAVE NOT YET SEEN THE MOVIE OR READ THE SCRIPT BOOK!
Newt's Trunk by Kayla Perkinson
Yesterday, JK Rowling revealed the new, and very much improved, JKRowling.com. It was a revamped return to the fabulous website she offered during the heights of the Harry Potter days. I'd said several months ago that I believed, I hoped, with the return to the wizarding world through Newt and Fantastic Beasts, that she'd also go back to the fun of her former website. And it looks like she has!
The site is designed, as in the old days, like a view into her office. There are not yet as many rooms or clues to explore...yet. But there are a couple, with hints of more to come. One of the biggest hints that she plans to play again is the day of the reveal: December 20. Solstice eve. She always tied big reveals with a significant date such as the solstice or Halloween.
She also gave us some new clues to obsess over. In her opening news article, she concludes with 7 questions answered about Fantastic Beasts (1 on Chamber of Secrets). The one that fascinates me the most is:
5. Why did ‘revelio’ undo the effects of Polyjuice Potion?
It didn’t. Grindelwald’s Transfiguration surpasses that of most wizards, so he used a spell, not a potion, to take on the appearance of Percival Graves.
I'd speculated in Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts that Percival Graves must be somewhere hidden about if Grindelwald had used the Polyjuice, as we suspected. However, if he used a spell, then that leaves the nature of Graves completely up in the air. Is he, as his name hints at, now a ghost? Did Grindelwald kill him in order to assume his identity? Talk about identity theft!
Whether Graves is alive or dead, however, that Grindelwald has this power to present himself as any person he chooses, without the need for constantly taking the Polyjuice, is frightening. He could be anyone at any time. We will have to be constantly vigilant!
I suspect that there may be a clue or two in the text giving us a hint as to whether Graves is dead or alive, and with the coming days I hope to research it. If you have any theories, please share them below.
What other hints did you find in JKRowling.com? Do you think she'll return to the games of yore with special days of opening a door to reveal massive clues?!
Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts is THE guide for all Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them fans eager to experience anew the excitement of of finding clues and sharing speculation, just like they enjoyed during the height of the Harry Potter series. New fans will be amazed at the secrets lurking underneath the surface of Rowling's newest film. Diving deeply into the story's mysteries, S.P. Sipal offers a detailed analysis of the analogies, myths, and clues JK Rowling hid on screen and on page to charm her fans once again.
Discover and explore such questions as:
Is there an Animagi hidden in the story?
Why will there be FIVE movies?
What secret is Modesty hiding?
Did Frank wipe out ALL the memories from that fateful night?
And was Grindelwald already in possession of the Elder Wand?
S.P. Sipal has analyzed the mysteries behind the Harry Potter series for over a dozen years. A sought-after presenter at fan, writing, and academic conferences both at home and abroad, her books have also delighted writers, teachers, and fans alike. Now she turns her expert attention to investigating the beginning of Rowling's exciting new series. Join her as she prepares you to dig into the layers of subtext yourself to claim what treasures await...before the Niffler beats you to it!
I have a new book coming out that I hope you will be as exited about as I am. FANTASTIC SECRETS BEHIND FANTASTIC BEASTS is expected to release December 16, just in time for the holidays! This guide to the analogies, myths, and clues Rowling hid in her series covers all the secrets and mysteries hidden within this first film and speculates as to what's to come.
Calling all Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter fans!
Starting this Sunday, December 11, I'll be hosting a 12 Days of Fantastic Beasts Celebration with clues and insight released every day and spoilery forums for all! To help spread the word, my publisher, Deep River Press, is offering some special incentives. If you're a blogger or active on any social media platform and would like to participate, drop me a note in the comments or email me at SPSIPAL AT gmail DOT com. We'll only be taking 12 people or fansites. So let me know ASAP if you'd like to be a part.
About the Book:
Explore JK Rowling's secrets, one clue at a time!
Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts is THE guide for all Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them fans eager to experience anew the excitement of of finding clues and sharing speculation, just like they enjoyed during the height of the Harry Potter series. New fans will be amazed at the secrets lurking underneath the surface of Rowling's newest film. Diving deeply into the story's mysteries, S.P. Sipal offers a detailed analysis of the analogies, myths, and clues JK Rowling hid on screen and on page to charm her fans once again.
Discover and explore such questions as:
Is there an Animagi hidden in the story?
Why will there be FIVE movies?
What secrets is Modesty hiding?
Did Frank wipe out ALL the memories from that fateful night?
And was Grindelwald already in possession of the Elder Wand?
S.P. Sipal has analyzed the mysteries behind the Harry Potter series for over a dozen years. A sought-after presenter at fan, writing, and academic conferences both at home and abroad, her books have also delighted writers, teachers, and fans alike. Now she turns her expert attention to investigating the beginning of Rowling's exciting new series. Join her as she prepares you to dig into the layers of subtext yourself to claim what treasures await...before the Niffler beats you to it!
