"Game of Thrones" Star Kit Harington Joins Second Season of "Harry Potter" Series

Actor Kit Harington, known for his "Jon Snow" role in "Game of Thrones," is set to portray "Gilderoy Lockhart" in the second season of HBO's "Harry Potter" series. Harington replaces Nicholas Hoult, who withdrew from the project due to scheduling conflicts, as per media reports. Harington previously voiced Lockhart in December 2025 for Audible's audiobook version of "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." The book's plot revolves around Professor Lockhart's arrival at Hogwarts, invited by Headmaster Albus Dumbledore to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. Kenneth Branagh played this role in the 2002 film adaptation. The first season of the series, adapted from J.K. Rowling's novels, is expected to premiere at Christmas 2026 on HBO and HBO Max. Its main cast includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alistair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. Filming for the second season is slated to begin this autumn.