Kit Harington has spoken out after facing backlash for joining HBO’s Harry Potter reboot

Kit Harington has spoken out for the first time since being announced as the new Gilderoy Lockhart in HBO’s Harry Potter series, as the show continues to face backlash over its connection to JK Rowling.

The Game of Thrones star is stepping into the role of Hogwarts’ famously vain Defence Against the Dark Arts professor for season two of the reboot, replacing Nicholas Hoult.

Via HBO

Hoult was originally announced for the role earlier this month but later dropped out, with HBO saying scheduling issues were behind his departure. His casting, alongside that of other actors joining the Harry Potter reboot, had already attracted criticism due to Rowling’s views on gender identity and trans rights.

Harington, best known for playing Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, has now revealed that he is genuinely thrilled to be joining the wizarding world, and apparently has a particular soft spot for Lockhart.

Speaking to Collider, Harington said the casting news had only just been released when he gave the interview, making it his first time discussing the role publicly.

He also already has some experience playing Lockhart, having previously voiced the character for the new full-cast Harry Potter audiobooks from Audible.

If you haven’t already, do have a listen to the full-cast audiobook of HARRY POTTER and the Chamber of Secrets on @audible_com

Kit Harington is simply AMAZING as Gilderoy Lockhart https://t.co/QmIQTT1Jbc pic.twitter.com/SUcdSX1gHN

— Wizarding World Direct (@WW_Direct) August 24, 2026

But while Harington said his audiobook version gave him the chance to get a “taste” of the character, he stressed that his live-action performance will be different.

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“It just got released. I’m thrilled. I’ve said a million times, for anyone who cares, that I’m a huge Potter fan. I’ve got to be honest, he’s one of my favorite characters. So, to be offered to play him is a real dream. I think he’s going to be so fun.

“You said, I got to play him in the audiobooks. That’s not the exact way I’ll play him in the show because it’s an audiobook, but I’ve had a taste of him and felt my way around him. He’s just a wonderful creation.”

Via HBO

While Harington seems more than ready to embrace the chaos, the casting announcement has not been without controversy. Multiple directors have said they turned down opportunities to work on the reboot because of Rowling’s views.

One person wrote on X: “Loser in real life, loser in industry, loser in harry potter, loser in got. he might be first place in the loser hall of fame.”

Another user referenced Harington’s previous involvement with the Harry Potter audiobooks, writing:

“Nicholas Hoult, you and your “scheduling issues” are not off the hook, Mr Harington, we already knew you didn’t care since the audio book but thanks for the confirmation I guess, anyway, once again, nostalgia is not more important than trans lives.”

The Tab has contacted Harington and Hoult’s representatives for comment.

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Featured image via HBO