In a major recasting news, Kit Harington has been confirmed to play Professor Gilderoy Lockhart in Season 2 of Harry Potter, a role which was previously reported to be portrayed by Nicholas Hoult.
The Warm Bodies actor left the highly-anticipated HBO project over scheduling issues, and HBO reached out to Harington who was available and excited to take over the role.
Kit Harington rejoins 'Harry Potter' universe
Harrington will be joining the Harry Potter universe with a previous experience, as he voiced Gilderoy Lockhart in the star studded Harry Potter: The Full-Cast audio Editions released late last year.
Kit Harrington on 'Harry Potter'
In a featurette released by Audible at the time, Harrington spoke of his fondness for the Harry Potter books since childhood. He was the same age as Harry when the first novel by J.K. Rowling came out.
"I read it, and like so many generations, I was entranced, and then I was a huge fan all through my teenage years," he said.
The 'Eternals' actor breaks silence on 'Harry Potter' news
Speaking to Collider's after his casting was announced, Harington described playing one of his favourite Harry Potter characters as a "real dream".
He noted, "Yeah, you're the first person I’m talking to about this. It just got released. I'm thrilled. I’ve said a million times, for anyone who cares, that I’m a huge Potter fan. I’ve got to be honest, he’s one of my favorite characters. So, to be offered to play him is a real dream. I think he’s going to be so fun. You said, I got to play him in the audiobooks. That’s not the exact way I’ll play him in the show because it’s an audiobook, but I’ve had a taste of him and felt my way around him. He’s just a wonderful creation."
About Gilderoy Lockhart
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Professor Lockhart plays a pivotal role in J.K Rowling's second Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Kenneth Branagh portrayed the part in the original film adaptation of the novel, which hit theatres in 2002.
In the book, Lockhart joins the fictional Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as a professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts.
He is a charming celebrity in the wizarding world who has penned a number of books detailing his heroic acts, despite his own shortcomings that occasionally make him less qualified than he tries to appear.
The project began production in July 2025, and season 1 of the highly anticipated Harry Potter series is set to premiere on HBO Max on December 25.
