Nicholas Hoult has withdrawn from his role as Gilderoy Lockhart in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series, with Kit Harington stepping in to replace him. Hoult's casting had drawn criticism from some fans who objected to his participation in a production executive-produced by J.K. Rowling, citing her views on transgender rights.
Fans argued that participating in the HBO series would financially support a franchise in which Rowling remains involved. Hoult had previously described the role as an easy decision, stating that he loved the character and that playing Gilderoy Lockhart would be entertaining and fun. The role was originally portrayed by Kenneth Branagh in the 2002 film "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets."
Filming for the second season of the Harry Potter series is expected to begin this fall, with the first season scheduled for release on HBO and HBO Max on Christmas Day. The series reboot features Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. Other cast members include Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, and Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall.
Jon Brown, a writer for the first season, has been promoted to co-showrunner for the second season alongside Francesca Gardiner. Rowling, who is an executive producer on the series, recently shared her positive reaction to the first two episodes, calling them "SO, SO, SO GOOD."