'Game of Thrones' star Kit Harington is joining season two of HBO’s 'Harry Potter' series as Gilderoy Lockhart. He takes over the role from Nicholas Hoult, who exited the project because of scheduling conflicts just two weeks after his casting was announced. The first season is yet to air.
Harington will portray the fraudulent Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, who was played by Kenneth Branagh in the 2002 film 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.'
Speaking publicly about his casting for the first time, Harington made no attempt to hide his excitement.
“Yeah, you’re the first person I’m talking to about this. It just got released. I’m thrilled,” he told Collider’s Christina Radish in an interview published on August 24. “I’ve said a million times, for anyone who cares, that I’m a huge Potter fan. I’ve got to be honest, he’s one of my favorite characters. So, to be offered to play him is a real dream. I think he’s going to be so fun.”
The casting is a continuation of Harington’s long-running collaboration with HBO. In addition to starring as Jon Snow in 'Game of Thrones,' he also appeared in 'Industry,' where he is set to return for the financial drama’s fifth and final season.
While Harington is best known for bringing Jon Snow to life, there’s much more to the Emmy-nominated actor than his most famous role. From his unusual fears and unexpected interests to the things that took place behind the guise of Jon Snow, check out this gallery for everything you need to know about Kit Harington.