“Harry Potter” hasn’t even premiered yet, but all eyes are on casting for the future seasons. HBO has already confirmed that the second season will happen, and that means casting some of the most iconic characters from “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.” One of those is Gilderoy Lockhart.
The character was played by Kenneth Branagh in the movies, and he certainly brought pizzazz to the role. Those are some big shoes to fill, but if anyone can, fans know it’s the man “Harry Potter” has found.
Who Will Play Lockhart in ‘Harry Potter’ Season 2?
GettyNicholas Hoult has been tapped for the role of Gilderoy Lockhart. Fans know him best for “Warm Bodies,” “The Great,” and, most recently, “Renfield.” He routinely takes on some of the more outlandish and humorous characters in movies and on TV now, and so, it’s no wonder that “Harry Potter” saw him as the perfect Lockhart.
After all, Gilderoy Lockhart is a man with charisma. He’s able to charm everyone into believing that he is some great wizard, when all of his books are fictional stories of his antics. It’s all revealed as Harry and others turn to him for help during “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” which is the book the second season will adapt.
Branagh certainly left some big shoes to fill, but it’s clear that the fandom is behind this casting choice. Hoult will join John Lithgow, Warwick Davis, and Janet McTeer in the new series, but everyone will have to wait until the second season to see him take on the hilarious role.
Fans React to the ‘Harry Potter’ Casting
GettyNaturally, fans of “Harry Potter” have their thoughts on the whole casting, and while some decisions have been met with questions and concerns, this one is far more positive. As Entertainment Tonight revealed the casting on its Instagram page, the fans took to the comments with their excitement.
One connected back to Hoult’s role as Peter in “The Great,” noting, “he was great as Peter and it’s basically the same energy”
Another commented on the hair color the “Warm Bodies” actor currently has, and how it will be perfect for the upcoming role, saying, “Nicholas as Gilderoy Lockhart? Brilliant. He gets to keep the blonde look, smile like he invented magic, and let the ego do the rest.”
Other fans also took to Reddit to share their thoughts on the casting decision, confirming that this is the best decision by the franchise.
One user shared: “Anyone that’s watched “The Great” knows this is exceptional casting.”
If you do want a reminder of Lockhart’s story, you can currently watch all of the movies on HBO Max, and that is where the TV series is going to stream. As for the TV show, get Christmas Day in your diary. The first episode will premiere on Dec. 25, 2026, and it will then air weekly. It will be based on the first book in the franchise, developing the movie into 10 one-hour episodes that allow for more time to really get into the tale.
If “House of the Dragon” is anything to judge, it’s likely going to take two years between seasons, so fans could have to wait until the end of 2028 to see Hoult in the iconic role.
