KIT HARINGTON CAST AS LOCKHART IN HBO HARRY POTTER SERIES

Kit Harington has been cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter television adaptation, replacing Nicholas Hoult in the role. According to reports, Hoult departed the project over scheduling conflicts. Harington previously voiced the character in Audible's Harry Potter audiobooks, describing Lockhart as entertaining and fun to play.

The role of Lockhart, a famous author who becomes Defence Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts, was originally portrayed by Kenneth Branagh in the 2002 film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. HBO's adaptation is described as a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling's book series, with Rowling serving as executive producer. The first season is scheduled to air on 25 December 2026.

HBO announced the casting of three newcomers to the principal roles in May: Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, following auditions of more than 30,000 actors. The supporting cast includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Peter Serafinowicz as Peeves the Poltergeist, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, the role previously held by Alan Rickman.