Kit Harington replaces Nicholas Hoult in HBO's Harry Potter series

Kit Harington replaces Nicholas Hoult in HBO's Harry Potter series

Kit Harington has been cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in the HBO series based on the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling. The Game of Thrones actor replaces Nicholas Hoult, who was cast in the role earlier this month but has since left the production.

An HBO representative announced the change via Instagram on Monday, stating, Before we begin year two at Hogwarts, there has been a slight change due to scheduling: Kit Harington will now be stepping into the role of Gilderoy Lockhart.

While HBO cited scheduling issues, representatives for Hoult have not disclosed the specific conflict. However, the 36-year-old is currently filming Man of Tomorrow, where he reprises his role as Lex Luthor from the 2025 film Superman.

Harington is already familiar with the vain wizard, who claims to have encountered dark creatures and serves as the Hogwarts professor for the defence against the dark arts. Harington voiced the character in a full-cast audiobook released in December.

"It was a really simple yes, because I love the character. As far as cameos in a series go, you don't get much more entertaining and fun to do as an actor than Gilderoy Lockhart. It was a no-brainer."

Kit Harington, via Variety

Harington, who has described himself as a lifelong fan of the books, also told Collider that being offered the part was a real dream and called Lockhart a wonderful creation.

The casting may reunite Harington with director and producer Mark Mylod. Mylod, who previously worked on Game of Thrones, is an executive producer on the new series and is directing several episodes. J.K. Rowling also serves as an executive producer.

The recast occurs before the show reaches the storyline where Lockhart appears. The first season, titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, is set to premiere on Christmas Day on HBO Max. Harington is expected to debut in the second season, which will adapt the second book, The Chamber of Secrets, detailing the boy wizard's second year at school.

The production is an ambitious undertaking, with producers expecting the series to take 10 years to complete. The plan involves multiple seasons covering each of the seven books that served as the basis for the original eight blockbuster films, where Lockhart was portrayed by Kenneth Branagh in 2002.

The new series features a mix of established stars and new faces. The lead roles are filled by newcomers Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. Other cast members include:

• Jon Lithgow as Headmaster Albus Dumbledore
• Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
• Janet McTeer
• Paapa Essiedu

The production has not been without controversy. According to the BBC, Hoult and other cast members faced backlash from individuals opposed to the views held by J.K. Rowling regarding trans rights and gender identity.

Representatives for both Harington and Hoult did not immediately respond to requests for comment. While the first season's premiere date is set, HBO has not yet released final production plans for the second season.