Is Dumblewald Canon? David Yates Addresses Dumbledore’s Relationship with Grindelwald

Earlier this year, the director of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, David Yates, stirred up some controversy when he stated that Dumbledore would “not explicitly” be shown as gay in the film, despite J.K. Rowling confirming the character’s sexuality in 2007. Many were disappointed that this representation wouldn’t be shown, but it seems we may be getting an inside look into his relationship with Gellert Grindelwald after all.

In a new interview with Empire, Yates discusses the fact that, while Dumbledore is not living as an “out” gay man, we will see some scenes between young Dumbledore (Toby Regbo) and young Grindelwald (Jamie Campbell Bower).

The story [of the romantic relationship] isn’t there in this particular movie, but it’s clear in what you see… that he is gay. A couple of scenes we shot are very sensual moments of him and the young Grindelwald.

Yates reiterates that Dumbledore’s story does not center around him being gay but that “we’re not airbrushing or hiding it.”

Grindelwald and Dumbledore being former lovers would certainly explain why Dumbledore feels he cannot go after Grindelwald himself. (I mean, encountering your ex is awkward enough, but can you imagine encountering him while also trying to take him down and destroy everything he’s worked for? Yikes.) It’s clear that the pair had a very strong relationship, strong enough that Dumbledore still sees Grindelwald’s image in the Mirror of Erised years later.

We also got some exclusive new images of Newt Scamander and Dumbledore from Empire. Check them out below!

What do you think about the potential of seeing young Dumbledore and Grindelwald together? Do you think the directors are doing the right thing by not directly addressing Dumbledore’s sexuality in the film? Let us know in the comments below!