Kit Harington will play Gilderoy Lockhart in season 2 of HBO’s Harry Potter series, Deadline reports. He replaces Nicholas Hoult, who was cast in July and left over scheduling.
Why did Nicholas Hoult leave Harry Potter?
HBO had been working around two pre-existing Hoult projects. When filming of the Lockhart scenes shifted within the season 2 production schedule, that arrangement no longer worked, and Hoult was released from his deal. Harington, who was available, took over the role. Entertainment Weekly confirmed the switch.
Who is Gilderoy Lockhart?
The recast is technically that, but Harington arrives with the part already played. He voiced Gilderoy Lockhart in Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions, released late last year.
“I read it, and like so many generations, I was entranced, and then I was a huge fan all through my teenage years.”
Kit Harington, in the Audible featurette
Lockhart is the vain, fame-obsessed Defence Against the Dark Arts professor of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets — a five-time winner of Witch Weekly’s Most Charming Smile Award — played by Kenneth Branagh in the 2002 film.
When does Harry Potter season 2 air?
Season 2 was greenlit in May and begins filming this autumn, ahead of the Christmas premiere of season 1. Dominic McLaughlin plays Harry, Alastair Stout plays Ron and Arabella Stanton plays Hermione; returning cast includes Nick Frost as Hagrid, John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Snape and Janet McTeer as McGonagall. Francesca Gardiner remains showrunner, with Jon Brown promoted to co-showrunner for season 2.
In the UAE, HBO series arrive on OSN+, with season 1 expected there this December.
Why was Nicholas Hoult replaced as Gilderoy Lockhart in Harry Potter?
Scheduling. HBO had been working around two pre-existing Hoult projects; when filming of the Lockhart scenes shifted within the season 2 production schedule, the deal no longer worked and Hoult was released from it.
Who played Gilderoy Lockhart in the Harry Potter films?
Kenneth Branagh, in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002). Branagh’s Lockhart also had five Witch Weekly Most Charming Smile Awards, a record his successor will have to defend.
When does Harry Potter season 1 premiere?
Season 1 premieres on 25 December on HBO and HBO Max. Season 2, featuring Kit Harington as Gilderoy Lockhart, begins filming this autumn.
