# HBO Harry Potter television series casting > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hbo-harry-potter-television-series-casting > Updated: 2026-08-14T09:06:17.000Z. Sources: 93. Developments: 2. Warner Bros. and HBO have confirmed the casting of Nicholas Hoult as Professor Gilderoy Lockhart for the second season of the upcoming Harry Potter television series. The character is described as a “vain and charismatic wizard” who serves as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. This role was previously portrayed by Kenneth Branagh in the 2002 film adaptation. The casting announcement has drawn mixed reactions from fans, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Some viewers have expressed concern regarding Hoult’s involvement due to the participation of executive producer J. K. Rowling, who has faced sustained criticism for her public stances on transgender rights. The series is scheduled to premiere on December 25, 2026, with the first season adapting ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’. The second season is expected to adapt ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’, with production anticipated to begin this fall. Confirmed cast members include Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Other ensemble members include John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-14: Nicholas Hoult cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in HBO Harry Potter series Nicholas Hoult has been cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in HBO’s Harry Potter reboot, sparking debate among fans regarding the series' connection to J. K. Rowling. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicholas-hoult-cast-as-gilderoy-lockhart-in-new-harry-potter-series ### 2026-08-11: Nicholas Hoult cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in HBO's Harry Potter series Nicholas Hoult has joined the cast of HBO’s Harry Potter series, set to play Gilderoy Lockhart in the second season, which will adapt “The Chamber of Secrets.” 89 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicholas-hoult-cast-as-gilderoy-lockhart-in-hbos-harry-potter-series --- Cite as: HBO Harry Potter television series casting. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hbo-harry-potter-television-series-casting