Kit Harington Joins HBO Harry Potter as Lockhart — SkimNews
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- Kit Harington joined HBO's 'Harry Potter' series as Gilderoy Lockhart, calling the decision 'a very simple, Yes, please!' during an appearance on Josh Horowitz's 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast
- Harington revealed he listens to Stephen Fry's 'Harry Potter' audiobooks every night to fall asleep — a routine he began after getting sober because 'my brain doesn't turn off,' saying the series 'has a very special place in my heart'
- Harington previously voiced Lockhart in Audible's 'Harry Potter' audiobooks before being approached for the TV series, which he said 'I think that's a brilliant idea, I think they can really delve into it further than the films did'
- Harington took over the Lockhart role from Nicholas Hoult, who exited due to scheduling conflicts; Lockhart will first appear in Season 2, which is already filming at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden
- Harington joked that stepping into the self-absorbed wizard 'wasn't hard' because 'He's addicted to himself. He's just a tiny step to my left'
- Harington confirmed he is already engaging with Lockhart's look but keeping details 'very secretive,' and identified himself as Gryffindor — 'obviously'
- Harington said the Leavesden location, down the road from his home, lets him stay present for his two young children: 'I get to be a dad; I get to go play in a world I love'
Why it matters: The Hoult-to-Harington swap is a material casting change for HBO's flagship prestige series — Harington arrives already familiar with the role from Audible's audiobooks and carries a personal attachment to the franchise forged during his recovery. For HBO, landing a Game of Thrones lead for a Season 2 character keeps the marquee-casting pipeline flowing as production is already underway at Leavesden.
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