Nicholas Hoult cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in Season 2 of HBO's 'Harry Potter' series

Published Aug 12, 06:04 AM UTC

HBO has cast Nicholas Hoult as Gilderoy Lockhart for the second season of its upcoming Harry Potter television adaptation, confirmed on August 11, 2026. Hoult will portray the flamboyant Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, a role previously played by Kenneth Branagh in the 2002 film. The casting adds Hoult to an ensemble that includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, alongside John Lithgow as Dumbledore and Paapa Essiedu as Snape. The first season, adapting Philosopher's Stone, consists of eight episodes and premieres Christmas Day 2026 on HBO and HBO Max. Season 2 will adapt Chamber of Secrets. Hoult, who recently played Lex Luthor in Superman, brings experience balancing charm and incompetence to the role.