Kit Harington is heading back into the world of fantasy, but this time he will be trading the icy North for Hogwarts. The Game of Thrones star has been cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in Season 2 of HBO’s Harry Potter series, replacing Nicholas Hoult after the actor left the production because of scheduling conflicts. Harington is already familiar with the character, having voiced Lockhart for Audible’s Harry Potter audiobooks, making his casting a particularly fitting reunion with the wizarding world.
Lockhart becomes a major part of the story in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second book in J.K. Rowling’s series and the source material for the upcoming second season. The character arrives at Hogwarts as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor with an enormous reputation for heroic deeds, but Harry and his classmates soon discover that his confidence and celebrity status are far greater than his actual abilities.
Kit Harington Returns to Harry Potter
Harington’s connection to Lockhart goes beyond simply being cast in the role. He previously provided the character’s voice for Audible’s Harry Potter audiobooks, giving him an opportunity to explore Lockhart’s exaggerated confidence and theatrical personality before stepping in front of the camera.
Speaking to Variety about the audiobook role last year, Harington explained, “It was a really simple yes, because I love the character.” He added, “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.”
The actor has also described himself as a longtime Harry Potter fan. He grew up reading Rowling’s books and has returned to them multiple times, so his casting brings together his personal connection to the franchise and his previous experience performing as Lockhart. For fans, that makes the transition from audiobook voice to live-action performance an intriguing part of Season 2.
Harington’s arrival also follows Hoult’s departure from the HBO production. Hoult had been announced to play Lockhart, but scheduling issues forced him to leave before filming the character’s Season 2 storyline. The change means Harington will now take over one of the more flamboyant supporting roles in the Chamber of Secrets story.
What Role Does Gilderoy Lockhart Play?
Gilderoy Lockhart is introduced as Hogwarts’ new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, arriving with a long list of supposed accomplishments and an even longer list of admirers. His books have made him famous throughout the wizarding world, and he has built his public image around stories of defeating dangerous magical creatures and solving extraordinary problems.
The problem is that Harry, Ron and Hermione gradually realize that Lockhart’s reputation does not match his abilities. His confidence never disappears, even as his lack of practical knowledge becomes increasingly obvious. That contrast gives the character much of his comedy while also becoming important to the larger mystery surrounding the Chamber of Secrets.
Kenneth Branagh previously played Lockhart in the 2002 film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Harington’s version will therefore inevitably be compared with Branagh’s memorable performance, although the HBO series has considerably more time to explore the character within the larger story.
The casting also comes at an important point for the television adaptation. Unlike the films, HBO’s series is being developed as a longer-form retelling of Rowling’s books, allowing individual characters and storylines more room to develop. Lockhart’s larger role in the second book gives Harington plenty of opportunity to make the character his own.
Harry Potter Season 2 Cast Takes Shape
Harington joins a growing ensemble for the second season, which will continue with a new generation of young actors in the central roles. Dominic McLaughlin plays Harry Potter, while Arabella Stanton takes on Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout plays Ron Weasley.
The adult cast includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Their performances will help establish the wider Hogwarts environment around the young trio as the story becomes darker and more mysterious.
Season 2 is based on Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and is scheduled to begin filming this fall. The first season, meanwhile, is set to premiere on HBO and HBO Max on Christmas Day, meaning viewers will have their first chance to see this new version of Hogwarts before the second chapter begins production.
There is also a change behind the scenes. Jon Brown, who worked as a writer during the first season, has been promoted to co-showrunner for Season 2 alongside series developer and current showrunner Francesca Gardiner. Mark Mylod is attached as a director and executive producer, while Rowling remains involved as an executive producer alongside Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV and David Heyman of Heyday Films.
With Harington now stepping into Lockhart’s brightly polished shoes, Season 2 has added another recognizable name to an already high-profile cast. His history with the character could also give the role an extra layer, particularly because he has already spent time finding Lockhart’s voice. The real test will come when the cameras roll and audiences get to see whether his version can bring the same mix of charm, vanity and comic incompetence that makes Gilderoy Lockhart such a memorable Hogwarts teacher.
Harry Potter Season 2: Frequently Asked Questions
Who will play Gilderoy Lockhart in Harry Potter Season 2?
Kit Harington will play Gilderoy Lockhart in Season 2 of HBO’s Harry Potter series, replacing Nicholas Hoult.
Why did Nicholas Hoult leave Harry Potter?
Hoult exited the production because of scheduling conflicts, leading HBO to recast the role with Harington.
Has Kit Harington played Gilderoy Lockhart before?
Yes. Harington previously voiced Lockhart in Audible’s Harry Potter audiobooks before being cast as the character in the HBO series.
Which Harry Potter book will Season 2 adapt?
The second season will adapt Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second book in J.K. Rowling’s series.
When will Harry Potter Season 2 begin filming?
Season 2 is scheduled to begin shooting in fall 2026, according to the information currently available.
Who plays Harry Potter in the HBO series?
Dominic McLaughlin plays Harry Potter, with Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
