LONDON: Game of Thrones star Kit Harington has joined HBO’s highly anticipated Harry Potter television series, taking on the role of Gilderoy Lockhart, the famous wizard who becomes a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts.
Harington, best known for playing Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, will appear in the second season of the new adaptation, which will cover the events of JK Rowling’s second book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
The Kit Harington Harry Potter casting comes after actor Nicholas Hoult, who was originally announced for the role earlier this month, exited the project because of scheduling issues, according to HBO.
Kit Harington Harry Potter Role Replaces Nicholas Hoult
HBO confirmed the casting change ahead of production on the second season.
“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 network said in a statement.
Lockhart is a celebrated wizard and author who arrives at Hogwarts with a reputation for heroic achievements. However, his confidence and public image often prove very different from the reality behind his famous stories.
Harington has already had some experience with the character. The actor previously voiced Gilderoy Lockhart in an audio version of Harry Potter, giving him an opportunity to explore the character before being offered the television role.
Harington Calls Lockhart a Dream Role
Speaking about the role, Harington said he is a major Harry Potter fan and described Lockhart as one of his favourite characters.
The actor said being offered the opportunity to play the character was a “real dream” and noted that his previous audiobook performance had already allowed him to become familiar with Lockhart’s personality.
Harington’s casting adds another major name to HBO’s expanding Harry Potter ensemble and gives the character a fresh interpretation for the new television adaptation.
Harry Potter TV Series Set to Premiere
The new Harry Potter TV series is scheduled to premiere on HBO Max this Christmas, beginning with an adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
The series is designed as a new television adaptation of Rowling’s bestselling books and will introduce a new generation of actors to the wizarding world.
Season two will move on to The Chamber of Secrets, following Harry Potter during his second year at Hogwarts.
The story introduces a mysterious threat at the school as Harry and his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger attempt to uncover the truth behind a series of disturbing events.
The new series features Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger.
The three young actors will lead the new adaptation as the story follows Harry and his friends through their years at Hogwarts.
With Harington now joining the cast as Lockhart, the series continues to attract established stars alongside its young newcomers.
The casting also marks another major television role for Harington following his acclaimed performance as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones. He has also appeared in the BBC and HBO financial drama Industry.
As production moves toward the second season, fans will now be watching closely to see how Harington brings the flamboyant and self-promoting Lockhart to life in HBO’s new interpretation of the wizarding world.
