Nicholas Hoult has abruptly departed from HBO's upcoming Harry Potter TV series, where he was set to play Gilderoy Lockhart, due to scheduling conflicts. The Skins and The Great star will be replaced by Game of Thrones favourite Kit Harington, known for his role as Jon Snow, in the show's second season.
Harington's Prior Connection to the Role
Harington previously voiced Gilderoy Lockhart for the star-studded audio version on Audible, which featured Hugh Laurie as Dumbledore, Matthew Macfadyen as Lord Voldemort, Michelle Gomez as Professor McGonagall, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù as Sirius Black, and Keira Knightley as Dolores Umbridge. The role of Gilderoy Lockhart was originally played by Sir Kenneth Branagh in the film series.
Official Announcement and Fan Reactions
The official Harry Potter Instagram account shared the news on August 24 with its 13.1 million fans, posting a photo of Harington with the caption: “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.”
Fans took to the comments section to share their thoughts, with one writing: “He would be perfect for the role of Sirius Black.” Another echoed: “I definitely agree with a number of the comments here; he'd be better as Sirius Black.” A third commented: “He did an amazing job playing the character in the new audiobooks and I am sure he will do an amazing job but I wanted him as Sirius Black or Professor Lupin.” Others welcomed him, with one posting: “If the audiobook is anything to go by, he’s going to be brilliant! Welcome.”
Upcoming Season Details
Work is expected to start soon on season two of HBO's Harry Potter, while the first series premieres on Christmas Day this year. Harington joins a cast that includes John Lithgow as Professor Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, all appearing in season one. Season one also features Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
