After months of speculation, it has been announced today that Jude Law has been cast as Albus Dumbledore in the as-yet untitled sequel to 2016’s Harry Potter spin-off, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Announced via Pottermore, Law will play a version of the character much younger than that portrayed by both Richard Harris and Michael Gambon in the original Potter saga, alongside returning cast members Eddie Redmayne and Johnny Depp, once again reprising their roles as Magizoologist Newt Scamander and the Dark wizard Grindelwald, respectively.

Although his work on Fantastic Beasts 2 will serve as his introduction to J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, Jude Law is no stranger to working with Depp, as the two previously worked together on 2009’s The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, where they shared the role of Tony after the passing of Heath Ledger. Interestingly, the role was also shared with Colin Farrell, who of course played Graves, the alter-ego of Grindelwald, in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Work on Fantastic Beasts 2 is well underway, although filming isn’t due to commence until later in the year, with an expected release date of 16th November 2018. Although a full title hasn’t been announced yet, Redmayne did confirm that producers David Yates and David Hayman told him the format:

You know, I did actually ask that question to David Yates and David Heyman yesterday. And the answer is “Fantastic Beasts” will remain in the title if we go forward, and then it’ll be “and the…”

Of his casting, director David Yates said of Jude Law:

Jude Law is a phenomenally talented actor whose work I’ve long admired and I’m looking forward to finally having the opportunity to work with him. 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.

With filming starting in the coming months, it shouldn’t be too long until we get a first look at Law in costume as a young Albus Dumbledore!