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HBO's "Harry Potter" Recasts Professor Lockhart with Kit Harington

After Nicholas Hoult dropped out due to scheduling conflicts, Kit Harington has stepped in to play Gilderoy Lockhart — and this isn't actually his first time voicing the character. Season 2 is expected to start filming this fall.

Ya-Wen Chang, Arts & Culture Editor
HBO's "Harry Potter" Recasts Professor Lockhart with Kit Harington

Stepping into a role someone else dropped out of is one thing. Stepping into a role you've already voiced yourself is another. HBO has announced that "Game of Thrones" actor Kit Harington will play Gilderoy Lockhart in the "Harry Potter" series' second season — the narcissistic, flamboyant Defense Against the Dark Arts professor from "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." He's taking over from Nicholas Hoult, who was originally cast but exited due to scheduling conflicts.

For Harington, the role isn't new territory. Earlier last year, he voiced Lockhart in Audible's full-cast audiobook series. The character was first brought to life on screen by Kenneth Branagh in the 2002 film, known for his over-the-top heroics and self-obsessed personality.

Season 2's cast continues to grow, with Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The veteran cast includes John Lithgow as Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. On the production side, Season 1 writer Jon Brown has been promoted to co-executive producer, working alongside series developer Francesca Gardiner, with Mark Mylod directing.

"Harry Potter" Season 2 is expected to begin filming this fall, while Season 1 will premiere on HBO and HBO Max this Christmas.

Tags#Kit Harington#Harry Potter#HBO#Gilderoy Lockhart#Nicholas Hoult

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