Nicholas Hoult is no longer heading to Hogwarts. Following earlier news that the Superman star has been cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in the second season of HBO’s Harry Potter series, the role will now be played by Kit Harington of Game of Thrones fame.
The surprise update comes after Hoult exited the project due to scheduling conflicts, with filming for the Superman sequel Man of Tomorrow — in which he returns as Lex Luthor — currently underway. It’s a fitting replacement, as Harington previously voiced the character in Audible’s audiobooks of J.K. Rowling’s second novel, The Chamber of Secrets, and has a long history with HBO, holding credits on Game of Thrones, historical drama Gunpowder, and the third and fourth seasons of Industry.
A central figure in The Chamber of Secrets, Lockhart was introduced as the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor known for various heroic deeds, but is later revealed to be a swindler who took credit for others’ acts after erasing their memories. Kenneth Branagh portrayed the character in Warner Bros.’ original 2002 film, and it’s unclear how similar the two versions will be.
This won’t be the only instance of recasting, either. A replacement for Gracie Cochrane, the young star for Ginny Weasley, has yet to be announced, after “unforeseen circumstances” prompted her departure from the project, led by Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger.
Alongside the main trio, other notable cast members include John Lithgow (Conclave) as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer (Tumbleweeds) as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu (Gangs of London) as Severus Snape, Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) as Rubeus Hagrid, Johnny Flynn (Stardust) as Lucius Malfoy, Luke Thallon (The Favourite) as Quirinus Quirrell, Paul Whitehouse (Alice in Wonderland) as Argus Filch, and more.
Francesca Gardiner serves as showrunner and executive producer, while executive producer Mark Mylod is directing multiple episodes. Rowling, Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films are all executive producing. The first season, officially titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, is set to premiere this Christmas on 25 December. Shooting for Season 2 is expected to start in the fall.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Kevin Low
