Kit Harington is heading from Westeros to Hogwarts — and the Game of Thrones star says one major reason convinced him to join HBO’s highly anticipated Harry Potter television series.
Harington, who will play Gilderoy Lockhart in the show’s second season, revealed that his decision came down to something simple: he has been a devoted Harry Potter fan for years.
During an appearance on TODAY, Harington explained that the books were important to him as a child and became part of his life again as an adult.
The actor said he now listens to the stories regularly and was immediately interested when he learned HBO was developing a television adaptation.
For Harington, the longer format offers something the original movies could not always provide — more time to explore the books in detail.
Why Kit Harington Wanted to Join ‘Harry Potter’
Harington described himself as a lifelong fan of J.K. Rowling’s novels.
He first discovered the series when he was younger before returning to it as an adult, eventually making the audiobooks part of his nightly routine.
That personal connection made HBO’s adaptation particularly appealing.
Harington said he loves the original movies but believes television gives the creative team more room to explore characters, storylines, and moments from the books that could not fit into feature-length adaptations.
Speaking about the opportunity, Harington said the prospect of seeing the books explored more fully was especially exciting to him as a fan.
He also made it clear that he actively wanted to be involved rather than simply accepting another franchise role.
Kit Harington Will Play Gilderoy Lockhart
Harington has been cast as Professor Gilderoy Lockhart, the flamboyant celebrity wizard who becomes Hogwarts’ Defense Against the Dark Arts professor during Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Kenneth Branagh famously played Lockhart in the 2002 movie adaptation starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson.
Harington will introduce a new interpretation of the character when HBO reaches the second book in its television adaptation.
The casting also creates an interesting shift for audiences accustomed to seeing Harington as the serious and battle-hardened Jon Snow on Game of Thrones.
Lockhart is almost the opposite.
The character is theatrical, self-promotional, charming, and convinced of his own celebrity — qualities that could give Harington an opportunity to showcase a more overtly comedic side of his acting.
Harington has also previously voiced Lockhart for Audible’s full-cast Harry Potter audio production, giving him prior experience with the character.
The ‘Harry Potter’ Series Has Faced Debate and Backlash
Harington’s casting comes as HBO’s new adaptation continues to generate significant discussion.
Some criticism surrounding the franchise has focused on author and executive producer J.K. Rowling’s public statements on transgender issues, while other fans have questioned whether the popular film franchise needed to be adapted again so soon.
When discussing his decision to participate, Harington focused primarily on his longstanding affection for the books and his enthusiasm for what a television format could accomplish.
The actor said he saw the television adaptation as an opportunity to explore the original material in greater depth.
‘Harry Potter’ Season 2 Will Adapt ‘Chamber of Secrets’
The second season is expected to adapt Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second novel in the original seven-book series.
That is where audiences first meet Lockhart.
The season is also adding several characters who become important as Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue their lives at Hogwarts.
Current Season 2 casting includes Rafe Spall as Arthur Weasley, Molly Hewitt-Richards as Moaning Myrtle, Jasper Ambrose as Colin Creevey, and Harington as Lockhart.
Dominic McLaughlin stars as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout plays Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton takes on the role of Hermione Granger.
The three young performers were selected following an extensive casting search led by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann.
HBO Is Building a New Generation of ‘Harry Potter’ Stars
One of the most closely watched aspects of HBO’s Harry Potter adaptation has been its casting.
Alongside its young newcomers, the production has assembled an established group of actors to portray Hogwarts professors and other major characters.
John Lithgow plays Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer portrays Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu plays Severus Snape, and Nick Frost takes on Rubeus Hagrid.
For actors following the production, the project demonstrates how large franchise adaptations often combine established performers with emerging talent.
That creates opportunities across very different career levels — from internationally recognized actors such as Harington to young performers receiving their first major screen roles.
What Actors Can Learn From Kit Harington’s Casting
Harington’s decision to pursue Lockhart also highlights something important about building an acting career: a successful role does not mean an actor has to keep playing the same type of character.
Harington became internationally recognized through Game of Thrones, where Jon Snow was defined by seriousness, responsibility, conflict, and heroism.
Gilderoy Lockhart presents a dramatically different acting challenge.
For performers, taking roles that contrast with previous work can be one way to demonstrate range.
Casting directors already know what established actors can do based on previous performances. A very different character can give audiences and filmmakers an opportunity to see another side of their abilities.
The same concept applies to emerging actors.
Building a reel that demonstrates different tones — comedy, drama, authority, vulnerability, or character work — can help casting professionals understand an actor’s range.
Being a Fan Can Help an Actor Understand the Material
Harington’s comments also demonstrate the potential value of having a genuine connection with source material.
Actors do not need to be lifelong fans of every project they audition for, but familiarity with the material can provide useful context.
Understanding a story’s tone, world, relationships, and audience can inform performance choices.
For Harington, his familiarity with Harry Potter appears to have made the project particularly meaningful.
He was not simply interested in joining another major television franchise. He had already spent years engaging with the stories and specifically wanted to participate in HBO’s expanded adaptation.
When Does HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ Premiere?
HBO has announced that the eight-episode first season, titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, will premiere on Christmas Day 2026 on HBO and HBO Max.
The first season introduces McLaughlin as Harry, Stanton as Hermione, and Stout as Ron as the characters begin their first year at Hogwarts.
Harington’s Gilderoy Lockhart will enter the story during Season 2.
For one of television’s most recognizable fantasy actors, the role represents another trip into a massive fictional universe — only this time, Harington says he already knows the world extremely well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kit Harington in HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ series?
Yes. Kit Harington has joined HBO’s Harry Potter television series and will appear beginning in Season 2.
Who is Kit Harington playing in ‘Harry Potter’?
Harington will play Professor Gilderoy Lockhart, the celebrity wizard who becomes the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts during Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Why did Kit Harington join ‘Harry Potter’?
Harington said he has been a lifelong fan of the Harry Potter books. He was also excited by the opportunity for a television series to explore more of the novels than could be included in the original movies.
Has Kit Harington played Gilderoy Lockhart before?
Yes. Before taking the live-action HBO role, Harington voiced Gilderoy Lockhart in Audible’s full-cast Harry Potter audio adaptation.
Who originally played Gilderoy Lockhart?
Kenneth Branagh portrayed Gilderoy Lockhart in the 2002 film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Who plays Harry Potter in the HBO series?
Dominic McLaughlin plays Harry Potter. Arabella Stanton stars as Hermione Granger, while Alastair Stout plays Ron Weasley.
Who else is in the HBO ‘Harry Potter’ cast?
The cast includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, among many others.
When does the new ‘Harry Potter’ TV series premiere?
The first season of HBO’s Harry Potter series premieres on Christmas Day 2026 and will stream on HBO Max where the service is available.
What book will ‘Harry Potter’ Season 2 adapt?
Season 2 will center on Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, which introduces Gilderoy Lockhart and several other characters joining the television adaptation.
Where can actors find TV and film casting calls?
Actors can use Project Casting to discover casting calls, auditions, television roles, movie opportunities, and entertainment industry news. Following major productions and understanding how professional casting decisions are made can also help performers prepare for future opportunities.
