Game of Thrones star Kit Harington has been confirmed to play Gilderoy Lockhart in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series. The actor shared his reaction to joining the show, giving fans even more reason to look forward to his Wizarding World screen debut.
Harington officially joined the cast for Harry Potter Season 2, taking over the role following Nicholas Hoult’s exit due to scheduling conflicts. Speaking with Collider, Harrington revealed that this was his very first interview since the news became public. The 39-year-old actor admitted he is a longtime Harry Potter fan and explained how much the role means to him.
“Yeah, you’re the first person I’m talking to about this. It just got released. I’m thrilled. I’ve said a million times, for anyone who cares, that I’m a huge Potter fan. I’ve got to be honest, he’s one of my favorite characters. So, to be offered to play him is a real dream.”
Harington is not new to playing Lockhart. Before this, he lent his voice to the character in Audible’s new full-cast Harry Potter audiobooks. That experience gives him a great start before bringing it to life on screen.
“I got to play him in the audiobooks,” Harington added. “That’s not the exact way I’ll play him in the show because it’s an audiobook, but I’ve had a taste of him and felt my way around him. He’s just a wonderful creation.”
What should fans expect to see from Kit Harington in the Harry Potter show?
Harington will portray Lockhart as the famously narcissistic Defense Against the Dark Arts professor who takes credit for the heroic deeds of others. This role is very different from the serious Jon Snow that fans knew, making the new casting even more interesting.
However, fans don’t get to see him soon. He won’t be appearing in Season 1, which premieres on Christmas Day 2026. Lockhart’s part will be introduced in Season 2, inspired by Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Kenneth Branagh previously played Lockhart in the original movies. However, Harrington already has experience playing the character. Fans will have to wait to see how he brings his own version of the iconic professor role to the screen.
While Season 1 is yet to make its streaming debut, Season 2’s filming is already underway.
This article was originally reported by Manoj Chekkilla on ComingSoon.
