Jude Law Takes On the Pope in Preparation for the Complex Albus Dumbledore

Harry Potter fans all over the world are discovering a newfound love for the sensational actor Jude Law.

It was revealed on April 12, 2017, that Law would be taking the role of Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming sequel to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. He will be acting opposite Johnny Depp, who will portray Gellert Grindelwald.

Before putting on his wizarding robes, however, Law took on a heavier, more historic role. In January of 2017, HBO released a limited miniseries titled The Young Pope. In it, Law portrays Pope Pius XIII (i.e., Lenny Berardo). Berardo was known in his time for being extremely contradictory, even when it came to what he had said himself. However, he was never a liar, which Law believes is how he learned his lesson and grew into the great pope that he was.

I think something at the heart that I like is that whilst he was contradictory, he was never a liar. There was always an element of truth—he had conviction, even if he changed his mind, or seemed to contradict himself. I also think that he was, therefore, able to learn his lesson—the biggest one was his recognition and embrace of homosexuality.

Law was specifically approached by Italian writer/director Paolo Sorrentino, a six-time Palme d’Or nominee, for the role of Lenny Berardo. Law was himself a big fan of Sorrentino and dove head first into the show, even when there were only two pages written out.

A sequel, titled The New Pope, has already been announced. This new miniseries will also be directed by Paolo Sorrentino, but sadly it will feature an all-new cast, not including Law. Do not fret, though; the second Fantastic Beasts movie is expected to be released on November 16, 2018, and with it comes Law as he takes the wizarding world head-on as Dumbledore.

Have you watched The Young Pope? Do you have plans to watch the sequel? Let us know in the comments, and let us know how you think Law will do as Dumbledore.