Nicholas Hoult has withdrawn from the role of Gilderoy Lockhart in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series, following growing criticism from activists opposed to JK Rowling.
The English actor’s casting in the highly anticipated Harry Potter remake was announced less than two weeks ago, sparking immediate attention from fans of the franchise.
Hoult has now stepped away from the project, with “scheduling issues” cited as the reason for his exit. The role of Gilderoy Lockhart will instead be played by Kit Harington.
Rowling, the author of the original Harry Potter books, has frequently described herself as a defender of women’s rights, while some campaigners have accused her of being transphobic.
Several actors linked to the new HBO series have faced criticism from opponents of Rowling, some of whom have called for fresh adaptations of her work to be boycotted. Rowling is serving as an executive producer on the show.
A fan account dedicated to the Skins star, Houltdaily, wrote on X: “Pausing any posts on this account for the time being. Nicholas Hoult do better, so many of your fans are hurt.”
Another user, Lesbianlexluthor, posted: “I’m going to just log off indefinitely for now. I really have no idea what I’m going to do. I genuinely have no idea.”
“Incredibly disappointed. Used to be one of my favourite actors but oh well!” added a user called Parasocialyte.
Nicholas Hoult has backed out of his role as Gilderoy Lockhart in the upcoming Harry Potter series after a pile-on by the trans lobby, less than two weeks after his casting was announced
He was meant to play the role of the charming yet conniving professor, which was originated by Kenneth Branagh more than two decades ago in the second Harry Potter film
Games of Thrones star Kit Harington has been drafted in to take Hoult’s place
Hoult made the U-turn less than a fortnight after his involvement was announced.
He had been set to play the conniving but charming Professor Lockhart from the series’ second book, Harry Potter And The Chamber of Secrets.
But in light of his exit, the role has now been given to Game of Thrones star Harington, who voiced the part of Lockhart for Audible’s star-studded Harry Potter audiobooks.
Reflecting on his part in the talking book, Harington previously told Variety: ‘It was a really simple yes, because I love the character.
‘As far as cameos in a series go, you don’t get much more entertaining and fun to do as an actor than Gilderoy Lockhart. It was a no-brainer.’
The role was originated by Kenneth Branagh in the 2002 blockbuster film, which earned more than $883million at the worldwide box office.
In Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets, Lockhart is a famous author and temporary Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts.
The self-obsessed character notably takes credit for other wizards’ ‘heroic deeds’ after wiping their memories.
Filming for the second season of Harry Potter is expected to start this autumn, while the first season will come out on HBO and HBO Max on Christmas Day.
Nicholas is no stranger to playing a villain, having previously portrayed Lex Luthor in the 2025 Superman film starring David Corenswet as the titular superhero.
The actor has gained mainstream Hollywood recognition after famously enjoying TV success in the UK young adult series Skins, as well as the Hulu comedy The Great, for which he earned both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
The HBO reboot of Harry Potter will see 12-year-old Dominic McLaughlin play Harry after the role was famously portrayed by Daniel Radcliffe, now 37.
The HBO reboot of Harry Potter will see 12-year-old Dominic McLaughlin play Harry after the role was famously portrayed by Daniel Radcliffe, 37
Alastair Stout will star as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton will complete the trio as Hermione Granger in the iconic early 2000s films; seen in March
Alastair Stout will star as Ron Weasley, previously played by Rupert Grint, 38, and Arabella Stanton will complete the trio as Hermione Granger, who was played by Emma Watson, 36, in the iconic Noughties films.
Speaking recently about landing the titular role in the series, McLaughlin told the BBC: ‘I was always a huge Harry Potter fan when I was younger. And it was like the dream role, of course.’
He also called it a ‘bit surreal’, adding: ‘I’m thrilled to be able to be doing it.’
Nick Frost is playing the role of Rubeus Hagrid in the TV series, with John Lithgow taking on the role of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore and Janet McTeer playing Professor McGonagall.
According to Deadline, Jon Brown, a writer on the not-yet-released first season, has been promoted to co-showrunner alongside Francesca Gardiner for season two of the Harry Potter series.
News of Hoult’s casting comes after author Rowling, who is executive-producing the HBO series, said in a post on X in June that she had read the first two episodes of the TV adaptation.
The famed author called the episodes, ‘SO, SO, SO GOOD’.
