With Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone releasing later this year on HBO on Christmas, production is already underway for season 2. Now, Kit Harington recently revealed in an interview why he took on the role he did — and his reason is incredibly sweet.
In an interview with Today, Harington, who has been cast as Gilderoy Lockhart for season 2 after Nicholas Hoult left the series, was asked why he wanted to join the Harry Potter series at this time.
“I’ve been a lifelong Harry Potter fan," Harington said. "I was a fan when I was a kid, and then I rediscovered it as an adult, listening to it every night. I listen to it every single night, and it helps me get to sleep. And I know other people do that as well. So, they’re really important books to me. And when I knew this was happening as a series, I thought it was the best idea because 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. So it was one I had eyes on, and I really wanted to be in it. And the part I’m playing is…he’s just the best.”
Isn’t an accurate portrayal of the books, stories we’ve always loved, what all Harry Potter fans have wanted? It’s sweet to hear that Harington has genuinely loved the series. Now, he is getting the chance to play a major character in season 2.
He was also asked about the current process of season 2, including table reads, and his answer was telling — and hilarious:
“We’re into it now. We’re into the second season," Harington added. "I feel like there are sort of HBO snipers everywhere now.”
The moment I heard it, I was pretty much laughing my head off because that really is how it feels with HBO and these big shows. There are spoilers and set leaks truly everywhere.
That being said, it’s still so heartwarming to hear Harington talk about how much he adores the books and why he thinks the series is a great idea. That’s the whole reason HBO wanted to do the show in the first place: to have a proper adaptation that expands book storylines.
Unfortunately, it's going to be a while until we'll see Harington as Lockhart in Harry Potter season 2. We learned last year that the first two seasons of the Harry Potter series would basically film back-to-back. With filming for season 2 underway, as of August, hopefully, that means that we won’t have to wait long for the next season.
HBO's Casey Bloys revealed in a recent Deadline interview that they wait for season 2 will be a little longer than previously expected.
Harington stars as Gilderoy Lockhart in Harry Potter season 2
If you’re here from the Game of Thrones universe and have no idea who Harington is going to be playing in season 2, we're here for you.
As mentioned, Harington will be playing Gilderoy Lockhart, who is essentially a famous author within the Wizarding World.
He’s introduced at the beginning of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, when the Weasley family, along with Harry and Hermione, attend a book signing in Diagon Alley. Later, it’s revealed that he's been hired as the new professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts. Harry has plenty of interactions with the professor, so we know he and Dominic McLaughlin will be sharing the screen a lot in season 2.
It’s almost strange for me as a Harry Potter fan to imagine Harington in this role. I’m so used to him as Jon Snow that seeing him in another magical world like this is mind-bending. Out of everyone, he’ll pull this role off swimmingly — even if we’ll probably have to wait more than a year to see him do it.
You can check out the Harry Potter films on HBO Max. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone premieres on Dec. 25, 2026.
Add us as a preferred source on Google