Kit Harington joins ‘Harry Potter’ series despite Rowling controversy

Actor Kit Harington has explained why he decided to join HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” series despite the controversy surrounding author J K Rowling.

The Game of Thrones star will play Gilderoy Lockhart, the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, in the show’s second season, which will adapt Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Kenneth Branagh previously portrayed the character in the 2002 film adaptation.

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Speaking to USA Today, Harington said his lifelong connection with the books was a major reason behind his decision to join the series.

“I’ve been a lifelong Harry Potter fan. I was a fan when I was a kid, and then I rediscovered it as an adult, listening to it every night,” Harington said. He added that the books remain “really important” to him.

Harington had previously voiced Lockhart in the full-cast audio edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, released by Audible in December 2025.

The actor said he was interested in the HBO adaptation because it would allow the story to explore the original books in greater depth.

“I love the films, but with this, they can really explore the books at their fullest, and for a book nerd like me, that was a really great idea,” he said.

HBO initially announced Nicholas Hoult as Lockhart for the second season on August 11. However, two weeks later, the official announcement confirmed that Harington would take over the role due to scheduling conflicts.

The upcoming HBO series will adapt all seven books in the Harry Potter series for television. The first season, based on Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, is scheduled to premiere on Christmas Day.

The project has faced criticism since its announcement, with some fans questioning the need for another adaptation after the books were previously turned into an eight-film franchise between 2001 and 2011.

The series has also drawn criticism because of its association with Rowling, whose comments on transgender issues have sparked backlash. Directors Kate Herron and Ally Pankiw previously said on social media that they had been approached about working on the series but declined due to Rowling’s views, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Rowling is serving as an executive producer on the new HBO adaptation.