Kit Harington replaces Nicholas Hoult as Gilderoy Lockhart in ‘Harry Potter’ series

Kit Harington has been cast as Gilderoy Lockhart for the second season of “Harry Potter” series, taking over the role from Nicholas Hoult who departed the project due to “scheduling issues.”

Harington’s casting was confirmed by Deadline, saying HBO reached out to the British actor after Hoult’s existing commitments conflicted with the “Harry Potter” filming schedule.

According to the outlet, Hoult was supposed to film the Lockhart scenes while simultaneously working on two prior projects. However, the “Harry Potter” production schedule was later adjusted, creating a conflict with his other commitments.

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Deadline said Harington was “excited to take over the role.”

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Prior to his casting in the series, Harington had already portrayed the role of Lockhart in the audiobook “Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions” released in December 2025.

Harington is joining the cast led by Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout, who respectively play Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley.

The second season of the “Harry Potter” series will adapt the second book in the JK Rowling series, “The Chamber of Secrets.”