Kit Harington Trades Dragons for Magic: Joining Harry Potter Series

Kit Harington, widely recognized for his role as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, is embarking on a new journey within the HBO universe, stepping into the wizarding world of Harry Potter. He will portray Gilderoy Lockhart, a character previously slated to be played by Nicholas Hoult.

Harington's decision to join the adaptation is rooted in a profound personal connection to the beloved book series. He shared that listening to the Harry Potter audiobooks every night fostered his admiration for the stories. This sentiment is amplified by his prior experience voicing Lockhart in Audible's audiobook versions, transforming a cherished childhood comfort into a professional opportunity.

Fans will have to wait until the second season to see Harington as Lockhart, as the character does not appear until the second book. However, the production's efficient filming schedule, with seasons being shot closely together, suggests a potentially shorter wait for his debut. The scale of the Harry Potter series production is noted to be immense, with Nick Frost, who plays Hagrid, comparing its year-long filming to that of Game of Thrones, indicating a smooth transition for Harington into this grand fantasy setting. Harington's upcoming performance as the flamboyant Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is anticipated to showcase his versatility and comedic talents. The Harry Potter TV series is scheduled for release on HBO Max on Christmas Day.