Fantastic Beasts 2 Star Jude Law Apparently Can't Pronounce 'Grindelwald'

Although Gellert Grindelwald is a relatively new character for fans of the Harry Potter movie series, you'd think the new Fantastic Beasts film would stay consistent with at least the pronunciation of the dark wizard's name. However, it appears the sequel might have messed up, and Jude Law is taking responsibility.

While appearing on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Law, who plays a young Albus Dumbledore in the new film, was asked why in the first movie, Grindelwald is pronounced "Grindel-wald," but in the sequel, Law says "Grindel-vald."

Turns out, it wasn't exactly an intentional decision.

"It's a very good question," Law admitted. "I dived straight in calling him 'Grindelvald,' assuming that because I have this very good friendship with him that I got it right." But then Law's Fantastic Beasts co-star Eddie Redmayne made mention of the discrepancy by pointing "halfway through the film, 'I don't call him that. I call him Grindelwald,'" Law explained. "But it was too late."

Thankfully, Law came up with a simple explanation as to why Dumbledore would pronounce it differently. "I think it's because Albus knows him well and at some point, Gellert said, 'Can you please call me 'Grindelvald.' I'm sticking to that."

Earlier on in the interview, Law revealed that he sought out advice from JK Rowling when he was cast in the role. "I went to her immediately. As soon as I got the part, I thought: 'I've got this responsibility to all these fans, to this Wizarding World.' Also, I really wanted to meet JK Rowling," the actor shared. One topic that doesn't seem to have come up, however, was the correct pronunciation of Grindelwald's name. 

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald hits theaters this Friday.