HBO’s new ‘Harry Potter‘ series has found its Gilderoy Lockhart, and the casting is almost too perfect to ignore. Kit Harington is reportedly stepping into the role for Season 2, replacing Nicholas Hoult, who exited the production because of scheduling conflicts.
For ‘Game of Thrones’ fans, seeing Jon Snow himself walk into Hogwarts as the famously vain Defense Against the Dark Arts professor is going to be amazing.
Kit Harington Already Loves Gilderoy Lockhart
Kit Harington already has an unusual connection to the character. He recently voiced Lockhart in Audible’s Harry Potter audiobooks, meaning he has already spent time finding the right voice and personality for the wizard. And judging by his comments about the character, this wasn’t exactly a difficult decision.
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Lockhart is one of the most ridiculous and memorable characters introduced in ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’. He’s famous throughout the wizarding world for supposedly performing incredible heroic feats, but Hogwarts students quickly discover that his confidence is considerably bigger than his actual magical abilities.
That’s what makes him such a fun character for an actor. Lockhart arrives at Hogwarts expecting admiration, attention, and endless praise. Instead, Harry, Ron and Hermione gradually uncover the truth behind his reputation.
Kenneth Branagh famously played the character in the 2002 film adaptation. Now, Harington has the opportunity to put his own spin on the flamboyant wizard. And honestly, after watching him play the relentlessly serious Jon Snow for years, seeing Harington embrace Lockhart’s ridiculous ego could be a lot of fun.
‘Harry Potter’ Season 2 Could Give Lockhart More Room To Shine
The second season of HBO’s Harry Potter will adapt ‘The Chamber of Secrets’, with production expected to begin this fall. Dominic McLaughlin will continue as Harry Potter, alongside Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
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The series also features John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Snape and Nick Frost as Hagrid. With a new generation of actors taking over these iconic roles, Harington’s casting gives Season 2 another recognizable face. More importantly, it’s someone who already understands Lockhart.
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