Kit Harington Joins HBO’s 'Harry Potter' Season 2 As Gilderoy Lockhart, Replaces Nicholas Hoult

Kit Harington is heading to Hogwarts, with the 'Game of Thrones' star cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in Season 2 of HBO’s upcoming 'Harry Potter' series. He replaces Nicholas Hoult, who has exited the project because of scheduling conflicts.

Harington will play the flamboyant and self obsessed Defence Against the Dark Arts professor in the second season, which will adapt 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets'. The character was previously played by Kenneth Branagh in the 2002 film adaptation.

Hoult had been announced for the role earlier this month, but reportedly had to leave the HBO series because of scheduling issues involving his other commitments. Harington was subsequently brought in as his replacement.

The casting also marks a familiar return for Harington, who has already voiced Gilderoy Lockhart in the recent full cast audio adaptation of the 'Harry Potter' books. His transition from voicing the character to portraying him in live action gives the actor another connection to the Wizarding World.

Lockhart is one of the most memorable characters introduced in 'The Chamber of Secrets'. A celebrated author and Hogwarts professor, he is known for his exaggerated claims about heroic exploits that he did not actually accomplish. His arrival at Hogwarts creates plenty of chaos for Harry, Ron and Hermione.

Harington is best known globally for playing Jon Snow in HBO’s hit fantasy series 'Game of Thrones'. His new casting reunites him with HBO and puts him in another major fantasy franchise, although this time he will move from the world of Westeros to Hogwarts.

The new 'Harry Potter' series is being developed by HBO as a television adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s seven book series, with plans to explore the story across multiple seasons. The first season will adapt 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone' and is scheduled to premiere on December 25, 2026.

The first season stars Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, while John Lithgow plays Albus Dumbledore and Janet McTeer portrays Minerva McGonagall.

Season 2 will move into the events of 'The Chamber of Secrets', bringing Lockhart into the story and giving Harington the opportunity to put his own spin on one of the franchise’s most theatrical characters.

With the recasting now confirmed, Harington’s version of Gilderoy Lockhart is already one of the most anticipated additions to HBO’s 'Harry Potter' series.