Kit Harington has said the upcoming Harry Potter television series is doing the books “more than justice”. The Game Of Thrones actor, 39, was cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in the second season of the HBO adaptation, a role initially announced for Nicholas Hoult.
Harington praises craftsmanship
Speaking exclusively to the Press Association at the premiere of his adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Tale Of Two Cities, Harington said he was delighted to have joined the series. “I’m feeling really excited about it,” he said. “I’ve started filming that. It’s a beloved series of books to me personally and I’ve got one of the characters who I think is just one of the great guest roles there is.”
He continued: “I’m coming for this season and just have such a fun time. I think having seen the sets and what they’re doing, they are doing it more than justice. It is extraordinary the kind of craftsmanship that’s on work in that show, and in an age of technology and AI and what have you – they’re making everything.”
Casting change and series details
Hoult, 36, was initially announced in August to play the Hogwarts professor, a role Kenneth Branagh was known for in the film series. However, weeks later, a post on the Harry Potter Instagram page announced Harington would step in due to “a slight change due to schedule”. The post featured a picture of the British actor with the caption: “Before we begin year two at Hogwarts, there has been a slight change due to schedule. Kit Harington will be stepping into the role of Gilderoy Lockhart.”
The show aims to be a faithful adaptation of JK Rowling’s novels while offering wider insight into the wizarding world beyond the film franchise, which ran from 2001 to 2011. The main characters are played by Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. The cast also includes Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape and US actor John Lithgow as Professor Albus Dumbledore.
The first season, adapted from Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, will launch this Christmas on HBO.
