Kit Harington to Play Gilderoy Lockhart in 'Harry Potter' Season 2

Kit Harington, known for his role in 'Game of Thrones,' has been cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in the upcoming second season of the 'Harry Potter' television series. He takes over from Nicholas Hoult, who left the production because of scheduling conflicts.

Harington previously voiced Lockhart in Audible's 'Harry Potter' audiobooks late last year. In an interview at the time, he called himself a 'Harry Potter' nerd and said he had loved J.K. Rowling's books since childhood, rereading them many times. He described the role as a "no-brainer," noting that Lockhart is one of the most entertaining characters to play.

In the story, Lockhart is a famous but arrogant wizard who becomes the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts, despite being unqualified. Kenneth Branagh played the character in the 2002 film 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.'

Season 2 is based on the second book and is set to begin filming this fall. The cast includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. John Lithgow plays Dumbledore, Janet McTeer is Professor McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu takes on Snape, and Nick Frost portrays Rubeus Hagrid.

Jon Brown, a writer from the first season, has been promoted to co-showrunner for Season 2, joining Francesca Gardiner, who continues as showrunner and developer. Gardiner also executive produces alongside director Mark Mylod, author J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman. Warner Bros. Television is the studio behind the series.