From Westeros to Hogwarts: Kit Harington Cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in ‘Harry Potter’ Series
After years of wielding steel as Jon Snow in the epic fantasy phenomenon Game of Thrones, Kit Harington is officially trading his sword for a wand. The acclaimed British actor has been confirmed to join the cast of the highly anticipated Harry Potter television series, stepping into the flamboyant robes of the iconic character Gilderoy Lockhart.
The role was initially slated for Marvel star Nicholas Hoult; however, due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, Hoult was forced to step away from the project. This shift paved the way for Harington, a long-time enthusiast of the Wizarding World, to step into the role—a prospect he describes as a “real dream.”
A Dream Role for a Lifelong Fan
Speaking to Collider about his casting, Harington expressed genuine enthusiasm for the character, who serves as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor in the second installment of the franchise.
“I’m thrilled,” Harington remarked. “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. I think he’s going to be so fun.”
This won’t be Harington’s first time inhabiting the psyche of the vain, celebrity wizard. The actor previously lent his voice to the character for the Harry Potter audiobooks. While he acknowledges that the visual medium of television will require a different performance approach than his audio work, he believes the prior experience has given him a unique head start.
“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 noted. “He’s just a wonderful creation.”
The Mystery of Gilderoy Lockhart
For the uninitiated, Gilderoy Lockhart is introduced in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets as a dashing, best-selling author and celebrity wizard who joins the Hogwarts staff. While he is initially beloved by many for his supposed heroic exploits, the character is famously not all that he appears to be, setting the stage for one of the most entertaining character arcs in J.K. Rowling’s literary series.
What’s Next for the Series
The television adaptation is moving forward at a rapid pace. While the inaugural season—based on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone—is scheduled to premiere this December, the second season is already deep in pre-production.
As fans eagerly await the return to Hogwarts, the casting of Harington as the pompous yet charismatic Lockhart has only heightened the anticipation. For more details on this exciting development, you can read more about Kit Harington’s reaction to joining the franchise.
