Hogwarts is about to get a whole lot more charming—and insufferable. HBO's Harry Potter series has found its Gilderoy Lockhart for Season 2, and the actor stepping into those gleaming robes is none other than Kit Harington, a man who knows a thing or two about epic fantasy after his years on Game of Thrones.
Harington's casting was confirmed recently, and he's already opening up about the role. In an exclusive chat with Collider, the actor revealed that this was his first interview since the news broke, and he couldn't hide his enthusiasm. "I'm thrilled," he said. "I've said a million times, for anyone who cares, that I'm a huge Potter fan. He's one of my favorite characters. So, to be offered to play him is a real dream."
Lockhart, the self-proclaimed hero and author of Magical Me, is one of the most delightfully vain characters in the Wizarding World. Kenneth Branagh brought him to life in the 2002 film, and now Harington is set to make the role his own. Interestingly, this isn't Harington's first rodeo with the character—he previously voiced Lockhart in the full-cast Harry Potter audiobooks from Audible. That experience, he says, gave him a head start, but he's quick to note that his live-action portrayal will be a different beast.
"That's not the exact way I'll play him in the show because it's an audiobook," Harington explained. "But I've had a taste of him and felt my way around him. He's just a wonderful creation." Indeed, the physicality of Lockhart—his preening, his dramatic gestures, his ever-present smile—is a whole new challenge, one that Harington seems eager to tackle.
Lockhart arrives at Hogwarts in Chamber of Secrets as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, a role he's woefully unqualified for, despite his claims of vanquishing countless dark creatures. His celebrity status and shameless self-promotion make him a hit with the students, but as fans know, there's far less to him than meets the eye. Harington's casting adds another layer of intrigue, especially since he's following in the footsteps of Branagh, who made the character iconic.
The actor joins Arabella Stanton, who will reprise her role as Hermione Granger from the audiobooks, marking a reunion of sorts for the two. Harington's casting also comes after Nicholas Hoult was initially linked to the role, but it's Harington who will now bring Lockhart to life in the series, which is set to adapt the second book in J.K. Rowling's saga.
For fans of the books and films, this is exciting news. Harington has proven his range beyond Jon Snow, and his take on Lockhart is sure to be memorable. As he put it, "I think he's going to be so fun." We couldn't agree more.
While we wait for Season 2 to hit HBO, there's plenty to keep Potterheads busy. If you're in the mood for more magical content, check out our ranking of the best Harry Potter video games. And for those who think the series should take a different turn, we've got a case for a Marauders reboot that might just change your mind.
