Nicholas Hoult Cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in Harry Potter Series

Nicholas Hoult has been cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in the second season of HBO's upcoming Harry Potter television series, the network confirmed on August 11. The actor, 36, will portray the vain and fraudulant Defense Against the Dark Arts professor who is set to appear in the adaptation of the second novel, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Production for the second season is scheduled to begin filming later this year, ahead of the series premiere of the first season, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, which is set to air on December 25, 2026. Hoult's casting adds a major name to an already expansive ensemble led by newcomers Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger.

The role of Lockhart, a Ravenclaw alumnus turned wizarding celebrity who secretly steals the achievements of others, was famously played by Kenneth Branagh in the 2002 film adaptation. Hoult's recent work includes portraying Lex Luthor in the 2025 film Superman, a performance noted for its charismatic villainy, which aligns with Lockhart's deceptive charm.

This casting represents a significant milestone for the ambitious long-term...