- Primary Subject: Kit Harington's casting as Gilderoy Lockhart in HBO's Harry Potter series
- Key Update: Kit Harington defended his decision to join Season 2 of HBO's Harry Potter adaptation.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: September 17, 2026
- Quick Answer: Lifelong fan Kit Harington joined HBO’s Harry Potter Season 2 as Gilderoy Lockhart because he believes a series structure better explores the books fully.
Kit Harington recently expressed his decision to join the second season of the TV series adaptation of Harry Potter despite recent backlash against the franchise.
While fans are looking forward to the HBO series version of the best-selling J.K. Rowling book series, it has also caused some controversy, as some questioned why the project had to be produced, despite the enduring popularity of the movie versions, as well as the author's controversial views surrounding the trans community.
Why Did Kit Harington Decide to Join Harry Potter Season 2?
In an interview with The Today Show (via EW), Kit Harington opened up about his decision to join the TV series adaptation of Harry Potter amidst the backlash against the project.
He is set to play Gilderoy Lockhart in the second season, the villain from Chamber of Secrets. He took over the role from Nicholas Hoult, who was originally cast before he backed out.
"I’ve been a lifelong Harry Potter fan. I was a fan when I was a kid, and then I rediscovered it as an adult, listening to it every night. I listen to it every single night, and it helps me go to sleep, and I know other people do that as well, so they’re really important books to me," the actor said.
"When I knew this was happening as a series, I thought it was the best idea. Because I love the films, but with this, they can really explore the books at their fullest, and for a book nerd like me, that was a really great idea."
When asked whether filming has already started, Harington responded, "We’re into it now. We’re into the second season. I feel like there’s sort of HBO snipers everywhere. I can’t say anything. It’s the most secretive thing."
What Is HBO's Harry Potter Series About?
Based on J.K. Rowling's book series, HBO's Harry Potter follows an orphan boy, mistreated by his relatives, who discovers he's a wizard. He receives a letter to attend Hogwarts School, where he finds friendship, magic, and adventure, finally discovering the home and love he was always meant to have.
The cast includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Warwick Davis as Filius Flitwick, and more.
The series will premiere in Christmas 2026 on HBO and will be available to stream exclusively on HBO Max.
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