When Richard Harris died in 2002, “Harry Potter” fans worried about the role of Professor Dumbledore. The book lovers know that Dumbledore would become a more central figure for Harry, as he learned more about his powers and his destiny. While fans have been extremely happy with Michael Gambon’s portrayal of the character, there were many disappointed that Sir Ian McKellen didn’t take up the role.

McKellen was offered the role of Professor Dumbledore from the third “Harry Potter” movie, but decided not to take up the offer. It turns out that it was a professional decision, based on the feelings of Harris more than his like or dislike for the magical universe.

Now he has opened up about why he chose not to take on the iconic role.

Richard Harris didn’t like Sir Ian McKellen’s acting

Every actor has an opinion of other people’s talents. While fans love McKellen, especially for his role as Gandalf in “Lord of the Rings,” Harris didn’t rate his talent at all. According to interviews, Harris believed that while McKellen was a technically excellent actor, he didn’t have passion or drive. It would be the passion that would turn a good actor into a master. Of course, the majority of McKellen fans would disagree, and so would the actor himself.

However, McKellen respected the late actor’s opinions, even if he didn’t agree with them. While he would have liked to take up the role, he couldn’t out of the respect of Harris.

He wouldn’t attempt to portray the character when the man disapproved of him. However, McKellen would have taken up a different role had it been offered.

Young Albud Dumbledore Now Cast for ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ sequel

It looks like McKellen won’t get a chance again at playing Albus Dumbledore. While the character will appear in the “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” sequel, it will be a younger version of the character. That means Michael Gambon, who did decide to take up the pressure of the role, won’t get to play Dumbledore either.

The honor goes to Jude Law, best known for roles in “Sherlock Holmes” and “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.” The sequel will be set while Dumbledore is the transfiguration professor, rather than the headmaster of Hogwarts.

Fans have always wanted to know more about his time as a teacher at the school, especially before Voldermort came to the school.

The “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” sequel will come to theaters in the United States in November 2017. Fans will get to see Law’s portrayal of the young Dumbledore then.
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