Kit Harington has spoken publicly for the first time about joining HBO’s “Harry Potter” series as Gilderoy Lockhart, describing the role as a longtime dream shortly after his casting became official. The “Game of Thrones” actor steps into the part for the show’s second season, replacing Nicholas Hoult, who exited weeks after his own casting was announced due to conflicts with other projects.
Speaking with Collider in what he said was his first interview since the news broke, Harington described himself as a devoted fan of the book series and called Lockhart one of his favorite characters from the franchise. He noted that stepping into the role carries added meaning because he previously voiced the character in an audiobook adaptation of “Chamber of Secrets,” giving him an early sense of how to approach the vain, self-promoting professor before ever appearing on screen. Harington indicated his television performance will diverge from that earlier audio work, suggesting his version of the character will bring something new to a role originally made famous on film by Kenneth Branagh.
The casting extends Harington’s long-standing relationship with HBO, where he previously led “Game of Thrones” and continues to appear in the financial drama “Industry,” which is entering its fifth and final season. Hoult’s departure marked the second major recasting on the “Harry Potter” series ahead of its second season, following an earlier decision to replace Ginny Weasley after actress Gracie Cochrane exited under undisclosed circumstances.
Season two will adapt “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” and is expected to begin filming this autumn, following an early renewal HBO granted the series in May. The first season remains on track to premiere on HBO Max on December 25, positioning the franchise reboot as one of the platform’s marquee holiday releases.
