Entertainment

Kit Harington cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in HBO's Harry Potter series

The Game of Thrones actor replaces Nicholas Hoult, who departed the role due to a scheduling conflict.

Updated Aug 24, 2026 · 22:18 UTC1 reports

The short version

HBO confirmed that Kit Harington will play Gilderoy Lockhart in the second season of its Harry Potter television series.
Harington replaces Nicholas Hoult, who had to drop out due to filming schedule conflicts.
Season one of the series, adapting Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, is set to premiere around Christmas on HBO Max.
The production plan for the overall series spans 10 years to adapt all seven books by J.K. Rowling.

Kit Harington has been cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter television adaptation.[BBC News]
Harington takes over the role from Nicholas Hoult, who exited the project because of scheduling conflicts tied to adjusted production timelines.[BBC News]
The character Gilderoy Lockhart will appear in season two, which adapts J.K. Rowling's second novel, The Chamber of Secrets.[BBC News]
The series stars Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.[BBC News]
The first season, covering the first book in the franchise, is scheduled to premiere on HBO Max around Christmas.[BBC News]