References to a gay relationship have been edited out of a new Fantastic Beasts movie for the Chinese market, Warner Bros. has confirmed.

Six seconds of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore have been removed following a request from the communist country, the studio said.

It aims to dispatch films worldwide “as released by their creators” but “historically” has faced “small edits made in local markets”, it added.

Dialogue taken out refers to a romantic past between male characters Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) and Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen), Variety reported.

Author JK Rowling revealed Dumbledore was gay in 2007 after being asked by a young fan whether he ever finds love.

Rowling did not state whether Grindelwald had returned his affections, however.

Despite the change made to the new Fantastic Beasts movie, its “spirit remains intact”, a Warner Bros. spokesperson said.

They commented: “We want audiences everywhere in the world to see and enjoy this film, and it’s important to us that Chinese audiences have the opportunity to experience it as well, even with these minor edits.”

The latest movie, released last week, also features Eddie Redmayne and Katherine Waterston.

The film shows how Dumbledore worries as Grindelwald moves to seize control of the wizarding world.

Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts Magizoologist Newt Scamander to lead a team of wizards, witches and one brave Muggle baker on a dangerous mission.

Related posts:

Billie Eilish ‘appalled and embarrassed’ by slur in resurfaced singing clip Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit edition gets first trans cover star – plus two other history makers Robert Carlyle pays tribute to murdered MP as COBRA episodes delayed over sensitive themes Netflix stars to back staff walkout demanding support for trans people after Dave Chappelle special Job interviews are daunting enough – but these police recruits were grilled by Morgan Freeman Miramax suing Quentin Tarantino over his plans to release Pulp Fiction NFTs Lily James transforms into Pamela Anderson in first trailer for Pam & Tommy Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood to be replaced by guest judge Cynthia Erivo for musicals week Actor Sean Penn in Ukraine as he documents Russian invasion Five firsts to look out for at this year’s Oscars Kim Kardashian apologises for her viral ‘get up and work’ advice to women in business Alopecia charity offers alternative Will Smith speech – as women with the condition speak out