Kit Harington to replace Nicholas Hoult in HBO's Harry Potter TV series

Kit Harington, widely known for his role as Jon Snow in "Game of Thrones," is set to replace Nicholas Hoult as Gilderoy Lockhart in the second season of HBO's "Harry Potter" television series. Hoult, who had been cast in the role just two weeks prior, has exited the production due to scheduling conflicts that clash with his other commitments.

Harington will portray the vain and inept Defense Against the Dark Arts professor in the season adapting "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," the second novel in J.K. Rowling's series. This casting marks a significant shift for the production, which is aiming to retell the story of Rowling's seven books across multiple seasons. The first season, based on "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," is slated for a December 25 premiere, with production for the second season beginning this fall.

The actor expressed his excitement for the role, stating, "I'm thrilled. I've said a million times, to anyone who would listen, that I'm a huge Potter fan. Honestly, he's one of my favorite characters. So to be offered the chance to play him is a real dream come true. I think it's going to be a lot of fun." Harington has prior experience with the character, having voiced Lockhart in Audible's full-cast audio adaptation of "Chamber of Secrets" released in 2025.

Harington's casting is the latest change in the series' ensemble. Gracey Cochrane, who played Ginny Weasley in the first season, is also leaving and will be replaced in the second season. Hoult, along with other cast members, faced some backlash for joining the series due to opposition to Rowling's views on gender and sex. Lockhart, a celebrated wizard and prolific author, had his reputation built on alleged heroic deeds that were later revealed to be the work of others. Kenneth Branagh previously portrayed the character in the 2002 film adaptation.