Kit Harington Cast as Lockhart in Harry Potter S2

Well, this is a plot twist even Rita Skeeter couldn’t have seen coming. HBO’s Harry Potter series is reportedly swapping out one dashing, egotistical Defense Against the Dark Arts professor for another, with Game of Thrones alum Kit Harington stepping into the flowing robes of Gilderoy Lockhart for Season 2.

The news, first reported by third-party outlets, confirms that Harington will replace Nicholas Hoult in the role of the smirking, self-adoring author of Magical Me. Hoult was previously attached to the part, but scheduling or creative differences - take your pick - have apparently opened the door for the former Jon Snow to trade the Wall for a quill and a wardrobe full of lilac silk.

Look, this is a fascinating casting choice. Harington is largely known for brooding, heroic, and often tragically stoic roles. Jon Snow spent eight seasons staring into the middle distance, grappling with existential dread and the weight of the world. Gilderoy Lockhart is... none of that. He’s a cowardly, vain fraud who would sooner Obliviate your memory than lift a finger in actual danger. The guy’s entire magical persona is built on stolen accomplishments and a dazzling smile. Harington absolutely has the brooding intensity for drama, but can he channel that into pure, unadulterated vanity? That’s the million-Galleon question.

Here’s the fun part: the Harry Potter fandom has a long, storied history of getting what it wants through sheer online force. When it was announced that Hoult would play Lockhart, the reaction was a mixed bag. Some thought he had the right physical charisma - the chiseled jawline, the floppy hair, the general vibe of someone who checks his reflection in a spoon. But others noted that Hoult’s recent filmography has skewed more toward dramatic intensity and arthouse appeal. Lockhart isn’t complex; he’s a cartoon. Harington, on the other hand, is a known quantity for massive fantasy television. He understands the budget, the scale, and the fan expectations that come with a blockbuster IP. He’s also proven he has comedic timing, even if it’s usually dry British wit buried under a fur cloak.

The shift from Hoult to Harington also holds some interesting narrative implications for the show’s timeline. Season 1 covered The Philosopher’s Stone, and Season 2 is already deep into production for The Chamber of Secrets. Lockhart is a massive part of that story, serving as the ineffectual, preening professor who’s constantly a step behind Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Harington will need to nail a very specific tone - simultaneously insufferable and pitiful. He’ll have to make us laugh at him while also feeling a tinge of embarrassment on his behalf. It’s a tightrope walk.

Now, is this a step up or a step sideways? Hoult is a fine actor - he’s proven his range in everything from Mad Max: Fury Road to About a Boy. But Harington carries a different kind of baggage. He’s iconic. The moment he walks on set wearing that ridiculously smug grin, audiences will instantly recognize the Game of Thrones star trying something completely new. That’s a good thing, honestly. The show needs to establish that it’s a fresh adaptation, not just a fever dream retread of the movies. Casting a beloved fantasy star in a comedic role signals that the writers are willing to play with expectations.

While we don’t have any verified runtime, director, or release date info to share, the buzz is already electric. The HBO series is clearly banking on star power to anchor its massive ensemble. With Harington in the mix, expect the social media discourse to be absolutely feral. Some fans will complain that he’s too handsome, or too serious, or not “fop-ish” enough. Others will point to his experience with sword-fighting, which ironically plays into Lockhart’s fake dueling club bravado. The character claims to be a master duelist, so at least Harington’s physicality will be convincing until the moment he gets disarmed by a twelve-year-old and runs off screaming.

The bigger question is what this means for the supporting cast. If Harington is in, who’s playing Lucius Malfoy? Who’s taking on Professor Sprout? The domino effect of recasting a major character this early suggests the showrunners are aggressively retooling the roster to find the perfect chemistry. Lockhart is a tornado of narcissism that disrupts the entire Hogwarts faculty, so Harington will have to bounce off the eventual Snape and Dumbledore choices with serious comedic contrast.

Ultimately, this is a classic Hollywood swap that raises the stakes for Season 2. Harington isn’t just playing a character - he’s playing a showman. And if anyone can make “Obliviate” sound like a celebrity catchphrase, it might just be the man who knows a thing or two about the importance of family, honor, and a really well-maintained wardrobe. Ready your Daily Prophet headlines; this one’s going to be a wild ride.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter