【The Exotic Time Machine】

LONDON -- The The Exotic Time Machinefirst installment in the Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them franchise hasn't even hit the screens, and yet already there's chatter about the films to come.

Director David Yates fueled the fire (and made all our dreams come true) when he recently revealed at a press conference that casting is underway to find a young Dumbledore:

"In the second movie Dumbledore comes back. He’s got a couple of scenes with Newt Scamander," he said. "We’re discussing who would play Dumbledore, any suggestions would be good. [Laughs]"

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Johnny Depp has reportedly been cast to play alongside everyone's favourite headmaster as the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald, with whom Dumbledore was once in love.

But who best to play the young Albus? We're glad you asked.

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Bear in mind that we're looking for a Dumbledore in his 40s. Here are our suggestions:

1. Benedict Cumberbatch

Credit: getty images / Kevin Winter / mashable composite

An adorable grin with an intelligent twinkle in his eye? Sounds like a young Albus to us.

2. Hugh Laurie

Credit: getty images / Frederick M. Brown / warner bros / mashable composite

Piercing baby blues with a wry sense of humour? We see you, Hugh.

3. Aidan Gillen

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Perhaps Dumbledore was more earnest in his youth? This GoT star fits the bill.

4. James McAvoy

Credit: getty images / Stuart C. Wilson / warner Bros / mashable composite

McAvoy's bookish charm and perfectly disheveled locks would definitely be fitting.

5. Ben Whishaw

Credit: getty images Stuart C. Wilson / warner bros / mashable composite

Whishaw's flowing mane and boyish looks wouldn't be remiss, either.

Alternatively, we really wouldn't mind a Michael Gambon cameo.

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