Dumbledore could be openly gay in forthcoming Fantastic Beasts films

Dumbledore could be openly gay in upcoming installations of Fantastic Beasts. Photo / Supplied

JK Rowling has teased Harry Potter fans with a new storyline about a young Dumbledore as he explores his sexuality.

Dumbledore is Harry Potter's headmaster in the popular series, but will appear much younger in upcoming installations of the Potter prequel spinoff Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Speaking at a press conference for the film this week, Rowling confirmed several characters from the original Potter universe would appear in the new series, which is set to sprawl across five feature films.

But the most exciting revelation centres on Dumbledore, whose sexuality was never referred to in the books or films, but Rowling said in a 2007 interview that he had always been gay in her mind.

The author and subsequent teams who worked on the films were slammed by fans for missing the opportunity to represent the LGBT community.

But now it seems Rowling is writing it into the new series instead.

She said: "I would like to say because this is obviously a five-part story, there's lots to unpack in that relationship.

"You will see Dumbledore as a younger man and quite a troubled man. We'll see him at that formative period of his life. As far as his sexuality is concerned - watch this space."

The first instalment of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them is due to hit NZ cinemas on November 17.