Fantastic Beasts 2 will flash back to the past, casting underway for teen versions of Newt and Dumbledore

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 2 casting Jude Law as Dumbledore was a bit of a surprise given the actor's age compared to his predecessors - but it turns out he won't be the youngest to play the wise wizard, even in his debut film. Pottermore reports that Fantastic Beasts 2 is currently casting for teen versions of several major characters, including dear old Dumbledore.

The casting call also includes teenage versions for our hero Newt Scamander, his love interest Leta Lestrange, and main bad guy Gellert Grindelwald. There's also a fifth role, simply known as "Sebastian," though whether he'll be a flashback version like the others or just a young person in the film's present is unknown.

We can at least infer some clues about what the casting of the others means for the sequel's plot, though. Newt was quite hesitant to talk about the photo of Leta he keeps, so the casting of both of these characters in their younger years probably means we'll see the formation (and possible dissolution) of their relationship.

As for Dumbledore and Grindelwald, it was revealed in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows that the two were once friends, so I'd wager we'll likewise see them go from friends to… well, not friends. What's interesting is that we know Dumbledore's sister was killed when her brother had a duel with Grindelwald, yet there's no casting call for her. Either she doesn't play into this next story or she's already been cast.

Regardless, here's the best part of all this: the casting call is open. If you or someone you know is between ages 13 and 16 (or can convincingly play that range) and can legally work in the UK, all you need to do is email Warner Bros. with a recent color photograph taken within the last two months, contact telephone number, a home address and date of birth. (If the applicant is under 18, they'll need a parent or guardian's explicit approval as well). Get your application in by June 20 and who knows? Maybe you'll get to experience a bit of magic yourself.

Images: Warner Bros.

Sam Prell

Sam is a former News Editor here at GamesRadar. His expert words have appeared on many of the web's well-known gaming sites, including Joystiq, Penny Arcade, Destructoid, and G4 Media, among others. Sam has a serious soft spot for MOBAs, MMOs, and emo music. Forever a farm boy, forever a '90s kid.