British actor Nicholas Hoult is set to join HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television series as the flamboyant and self-obsessed wizard Gilderoy Lockhart in its second season, according to Variety.
Hoult will portray Lockhart as the series moves into its adaptation of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second book in J.K. Rowling’s bestselling fantasy series.
Lockhart is introduced as Hogwarts’ new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher and is celebrated for his supposed heroic achievements. However, his arrogance, vanity and lack of magical competence are gradually exposed as the story unfolds.
Hoult will take over the role from Kenneth Branagh, who portrayed Lockhart in the 2002 film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
The casting adds another major franchise role to Hoult’s growing filmography. He previously played Dr Hank McCoy, also known as Beast, in the X-Men film series and currently portrays Lex Luthor in DC Studios’ superhero franchise.
Hoult made his debut as Lex Luthor in the 2025 film Superman and is expected to reprise the role in Man of Tomorrow, scheduled for release in 2027.
His other notable credits include Mad Max: Fury Road, Nosferatu, Juror #2, The Menu and Renfield. He also starred in Hulu’s acclaimed series The Great, earning an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe nominations.
Production on the second season of the Harry Potter series is expected to begin this autumn. Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry Potter, while Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout will portray Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley respectively.
The wider cast includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.
The first season is scheduled to premiere on HBO and HBO Max on December 25 and will adapt Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The series has already been renewed for a second season, which will focus on The Chamber of Secrets.
Jon Brown, who served as a writer on the first season, has been promoted to co-showrunner for the second season, joining series developer and current showrunner Francesca Gardiner.
Gardiner will executive produce alongside director Mark Mylod, while Rowling will also serve as an executive producer with Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and Television, and David Heyman of Heyday Films.
Warner Bros. Television is producing the series.
