HBO's ambitious Harry Potter series is already making headlines before its first season even premieres. With production on the second season gearing up, the show has pulled off a casting switcheroo that fans won't see coming. Kit Harington, best known for his iconic turn as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, is stepping into the robes of Professor Gilderoy Lockhart, replacing Nicholas Hoult, who had to exit the project due to scheduling conflicts.
Harington is no stranger to the wizarding world—or to Lockhart himself. He previously voiced the charismatic but fraudulent professor in Audible's full-cast audio drama of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, which was released last year to critical acclaim. His performance was so well-received that fans immediately began hoping he'd reprise the role on screen. Now, that wish is coming true.
Who Is Gilderoy Lockhart?
For those who need a refresher, Lockhart is the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts during Harry's second year. He's a pompous, self-absorbed celebrity wizard whose books—like Magical Me—detail his supposed daring exploits. While Harry and Ron quickly dismiss him as a fraud, Hermione finds herself smitten, marking her first celebrity crush. But Lockhart's secret is far darker: he's been stealing the accomplishments of other witches and wizards and erasing their memories with powerful Memory Charms to cover his tracks.
The role was memorably played by Kenneth Branagh in the 2002 film adaptation, and Harington has big shoes to fill. However, his experience with the character in the audio drama suggests he's more than up to the task. Lockhart also appears in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, a scene that was cut from the films—but with the series adapting each book in full, fans may finally get to see that moment on screen.
The Harry Potter series is one of the most ambitious television projects ever attempted, with plans to adapt all seven of J.K. Rowling's novels across seven seasons. The cast includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, and Luke Thallon as Professor Quirrell.
Season 1, which adapts Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, is set to premiere on HBO Max on December 25. Lockhart won't appear until Season 2, which will adapt Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. With Harington on board, anticipation for the second season is already building.
For more on the wizarding world, check out our ranking of the best Harry Potter video games or our look at the new Harry Potter store. And if you're curious about Harington's other projects, he's also starring in a new adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities.
