Kit Harington joins the Harry Potter series as Gilderoy Lockhart

17:25

After making his mark on the small screen in Game of Thrones, Kit Harington is set to explore another iconic fictional universe. The British actor is expected to portray Gilderoy Lockhart in the second season of the upcoming Harry Potter series being developed for HBO.

This decision comes after Nicholas Hoult, who was originally slated to play the famous Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, withdrew due to scheduling conflicts, leading to a reshuffling of the cast that ultimately opened the door for Kit Harington.

An Iconic Character from the Chamber of Secrets

Gilderoy Lockhart plays a central role in the second book of the saga, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Behind his charming and self-assured wizard appearance lies a character far less competent than he would have others believe.

Author of numerous books recounting magical exploits, Lockhart actually appropriates the adventures of other wizards before erasing their memories to keep his secret. His arrival at Hogwarts as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is thus one of the most memorable elements of this part of the saga.

In the cinema, the character was portrayed by Kenneth Branagh in the 2002 adaptation.

A Universe Kit Harington Already Knows

This role would not be Kit Harington's first immersion into the universe imagined by J.K. Rowling. The actor had previously lent his voice to Gilderoy Lockhart in an audio adaptation of the saga produced by Audible.

The actor has also stated several times that he feels attached to the Harry Potter universe, which he discovered during his childhood. His prior experience with the character could thus allow him to approach this new interpretation with a deep understanding of its temperament and quirks.

The transition from voice to screen marks a new milestone for the actor, who is now called to give a physical embodiment to one of the most extravagant characters in the wizarding world.

A Highly Anticipated Second Season

The second season of the series is expected to draw inspiration from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, continuing the television adaptation of the literary work. Filming is slated for the fall, while the first season is set to introduce a new generation of actors in the main roles.

Dominic McLaughlin is expected to play Harry Potter, alongside Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.

The cast also includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.

With Kit Harington's arrival, HBO continues to gather recognized figures from film and television around its adaptation while entrusting the central roles of the new generation of wizards to young talents.