Kit Harington is defending his decision to join HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” series, according to an interview on “Today,” despite facing a persistent online backlash and ongoing calls to boycott author J.K. Rowling. The “Game of Thrones” alum signed on to play Gilderoy Lockhart in Season 2 of the television adaptation.
Kit Harington’s Personal Connection to the Franchise
Addressing anchor Craig Melvin on Wednesday, Harington explained his lifelong fandom for the wizarding world. “I was a fan when I was a kid, and then I rediscovered it as an adult, listening to it every night,” Harington told “Today,” noting that the audiobooks help him sleep. “So they’re really important books to me.”
Harington will portray Gilderoy Lockhart, a half-blood wizard and the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher introduced in Rowling’s second book, “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.” The character is a vain celebrity author known for his theatrics and questionable integrity. Kenneth Branagh previously played Lockhart in the 2002 film adaptation, while Harington voiced the character in an Audible full-cast audiobook released last year.
Did you know? Nicholas Hoult originally signed on to play Gilderoy Lockhart in the HBO series but withdrew due to scheduling conflicts after facing online criticism, according to reporting by the Los Angeles Times. Harington was announced as his replacement shortly after.
Production Details and the Rowling Controversy
The television project has drawn heavy online criticism since its announcement due to ongoing controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling. The author, who serves as an executive producer on the HBO series, faced widespread backlash after using her online platform to discuss gender identity and transgender issues in ways many consider transphobic.
Despite the backlash, Harington expressed enthusiasm for the episodic format. “When I knew this was happening as a series, I thought it was the best idea,” Harington told “Today.” He added that the longer format allows creators to “explore the books at their fullest.”
Cast and Release Timeline
The series is slated to debut on Christmas Day. The main trio features Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, according to the Los Angeles Times. The Hogwarts faculty includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall.
The Season 2 cast rounds out with Rafe Spall as Arthur Weasley, Jasper Ambrose as Colin Creevey, and Molly Hewitt-Richards as Moaning Myrtle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kit Harington playing in the HBO “Harry Potter” series?
Kit Harington is playing Gilderoy Lockhart, the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, in Season 2 of the series.
When is the HBO “Harry Potter” series scheduled to premiere?
The series is slated to debut on Christmas Day.
Who originally cast for the role of Gilderoy Lockhart?
Nicholas Hoult originally signed on for the role but withdrew due to scheduling conflicts following online criticism.
What role does J.K. Rowling have in the new series?
J.K. Rowling serves as an executive producer on the HBO adaptation.
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