Actor Nicholas Hoult, recognized for his performances in X-Men, Superman, and Mad Max: Fury Road, is joining the production of the highly anticipated Harry Potter television adaptation. The 36-year-old performer will take on the role of Hogwarts professor Gilderoy Lockhart, a character previously portrayed by Sir Kenneth Branagh in the film franchise.
While the first season of the show, based on JK Rowling’s literary series, is scheduled to premiere this Christmas on HBO Max, Hoult is set to make his appearance during the second season. Within the narrative, Lockhart is introduced as a vain celebrity author who accepts a position as the Defence Against the Dark Arts instructor during Harry’s second year at the school.
HBO officially confirmed the casting by referencing Lockhart’s autobiography, noting the addition of Hoult to the project. The series, which aims to span a decade of storytelling, features newcomers Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley in the lead roles. Other notable cast members include Daniel Rigby and Bel Powley as the Dursleys, and Warwick Davis as Professor Filius Flitwick.
Hoult’s extensive career includes his breakout role in About A Boy, his time on the drama series Skins, and his portrayal of Beast in the X-Men film series. He also recently appeared in the Superman reboot and the film Nosferatu. The production remains a point of public discussion, particularly regarding the views of author JK Rowling, with cast members such as Bel Powley recently voicing disagreement with her stance on gender identity.
