'Wait until you see the film': Ezra Miller addresses fan backlash over Dumbledore's portrayal in Crimes of Grindelwald
Ezra Miller defended the portrayal of Dumbledore's sexuality in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, against fan backlash in 2018. The controversy emerged following Director David Yates' statement that the sequel would not extensively delve into Dumbledore's homosexuality. Miller argued that Dumbledore's character was indeed portrayed as gay in the film and commended J.K. Rowling for her courage in revealing Dumbledore's sexuality.
Updated : October 20, 2023 05:24 PM ISTEzra Miller defended the portrayal of Dumbledore's sexuality in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, against fan backlash in 2018. The controversy emerged following Director David Yates' statement that the sequel would not extensively delve into Dumbledore's homosexuality. Miller argued that Dumbledore's character was indeed portrayed as gay in the film and commended J.K. Rowling for her courage in revealing Dumbledore's sexuality.
In a response to criticism surrounding the portrayal of Dumbledore's sexuality in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Ezra Miller, a prominent cast member, came forward in 2018 to confront the issue head-on. He defended the presentation of Dumbledore's character in the sequel during an interview with Total Film, shedding new light on a topic that has become increasingly relevant in recent years.
Fans of the franchise had anticipated that the Fantastic Beasts sequel would delve into Dumbledore's sexuality after J.K. Rowling revealed in 2007 that the iconic character was gay. However, when Director David Yates stated that the sequel would not significantly emphasize Dumbledore's sexual orientation, a backlash ensued. In a rebuttal to this sentiment, Miller asserted that Dumbledore's homosexuality was indeed manifest in the film.
Miller challenged the notion that all representation must adhere to a particular mold, contending that Dumbledore's sexuality was explicit, notably through his interactions with Grindelwald and his reflection in the Mirror of Erised.
The actor also applauded Rowling for her courage in openly declaring Dumbledore's homosexuality, describing it as a gift to audiences. He highlighted the strength of the author's storytelling and her audaciousness in providing a layer of complexity to an already-beloved character.
In the face of ongoing controversy, Yates and co-star Jude Law encouraged fans to show patience, reminding them that The Crimes of Grindelwald was the second in a proposed series of five films. This extensive narrative would allow for further exploration of Dumbledore's sexuality in subsequent movies.
Miller's message to critics was clear: reserve judgment until viewing the film, highlighting the importance of individual research and understanding before taking a definitive stance. He implored audiences to see the movie before generating controversy online, stressing that this polarizing behavior is counterproductive.