Following his villainous turn in James Gunn’s Superman, Nicholas Hoult is extending his antagonist streak. The English actor has been cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in the upcoming sophomore season of HBO’s Harry Potter series, stepping into the role previously portrayed by Kenneth Branagh in the original 2002 film (per Deadline).
The character was introduced as the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, playing a key role in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second book in J.K. Rowling’s hit fantasy book series. While initially known for various heroic deeds, Lockhart is later revealed to be a swindler who took credit for others’ acts after erasing their memories.
It’s unclear how similar the two versions will be, but Hoult won’t be the only newcomer on the Season 2 roster. With Gracie Cochrane, the young star for Ginny Weasley, departing the project due to “unforeseen circumstances”, recasting is currently underway. For Hoult, this full-circle moment comes 25 years after auditioning for the film adaptation, in which the titular role went, of course, to Daniel Radcliffe.
Dominic McLaughlin is set to play Harry on the small screen, joined by Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton as Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, respectively. The first season, officially titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, returns to Hogwarts this Christmas, 25 December, and received an early season two renewal in May. No release date has been announced for the latter, with filming beginning in the fall.
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.
As for Hoult, he’ll reprise his role as Lex Luthor in Superman sequel Man of Tomorrow. The superhero outing is slated for theatrical release on 9 July 2027, featuring a team-up between the two characters, the return of Milly Alcock’s Supergirl, and a showdown with the iconic villain Brainiac, portrayed by Lars Eidinger.
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
