HBO confirms Nicholas Hoult cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in Harry Potter series season 2

Published Aug 13, 08:13 AM UTC

HBO confirmed that actor Nicholas Hoult has been cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in the second season of its upcoming Harry Potter TV series. The announcement has sparked disappointment among Hoult's fans due to the ongoing controversy surrounding franchise creator JK Rowling, who serves as an executive producer on the show. Rowling has faced backlash for her views and commentary on transgender people, including misgendering public figures and donating to a campaign group that challenged the legal definition of a woman in the UK. Fans expressed their frustration on social media, criticizing Hoult for accepting the role despite Rowling's stance, with some accusing him of prioritizing a paycheck over principles. The article notes that Hoult recently worked on a project starring two transgender actresses, adding to the perceived contradiction.