Nicholas Hoult Cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in HBO's Harry Potter Season 2

Nicholas Hoult is officially heading to Hogwarts.

The Superman and Nosferatu actor has been cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in Season 2 of HBO’s Harry Potter series. HBO Max confirmed the casting on August 11, with Hoult joining the adaptation when it moves into Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Lockhart is the celebrity author who becomes Hogwarts’ new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor during Harry’s second year. His public reputation is considerably more impressive than his actual magical ability, making him one of the second book’s most memorable additions. Kenneth Branagh previously played the character in Warner Bros.’ 2002 Chamber of Secrets film.

Hoult will be playing a new version of the character rather than continuing Branagh’s portrayal, as HBO’s series is a fresh adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s books.

Season 2 Is Already Moving Forward

HBO gave Harry Potter an early Season 2 renewal in May, months before the first season’s premiere. The second season will adapt Chamber of Secrets, with filming expected to begin this fall.

Jon Brown has also been promoted to co-showrunner alongside Francesca Gardiner as HBO works to keep production moving between seasons. No official Season 2 premiere date has been announced.

Hoult’s casting adds another major franchise to his résumé after playing Beast in the X-Men films and Lex Luthor in DC Studios’ Superman. It also gives the actor a belated trip to Hogwarts: Hoult has previously recalled unsuccessfully auditioning for roles in the original Harry Potter films when he was young.

Season 1 stars Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone premieres December 25, 2026 on HBO and HBO Max.