Nicholas Hoult cast as Harry Potter legend in upcoming HBO series
"Celebrity is as celebrity does, Harry"
Last updated 9 hours ago
Christmas really will be a magical time for Harry Potter fans across the globe when the first series of HBO's adaptation drops. The TV remake of the film franchise is one of the most hotly-anticipated shows of recent years - not to mention the incredible casting that's happened so far.
The first series is rumoured to have wrapped filming recently, but there's no rest for the cast and crew as it's been reported that all seven series will be filmed back to back - which means that the second series could begin shooting imminently.
With that in mind, it's no surprise that HBO have just announced more casting in the form of Nicholas Hoult, who they've confirmed will play a character that appears from the second book (The Chamber of Secrets) onwards - and it's a doozy!
Who does Nicholas Hoult play in Harry Potter?
Hollywood actor Nicholas Hoult - who rose to fame as a child actor after starring in About A Boy with Hugh Grant - will play none other than double-crossing-yet-strangely-charismatic Gilderoy Lockhart.
Sharing the news on Instagram, HBO wrote: 'Magical Me indeed. Now, how many autographs would you like? Nicholas Hoult has been cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in season two of the new HBO Original Harry Potter Series.'
Of course, fans were beside themselves with this incredible news, taking to the comments immediately to share their thoughts. One chose a hilarious Lockhart quote, writing: 'Hardly any of you remembered that my favorite color is lilac,' as another added: 'He’s gonna be so extra as Gilderoy and I cannot wait! 🤣🤣.' (sic)
Who is Gilderoy Lockhart?
Gilderoy Lockhart is introduced to Hogwarts in the second book in the franchise, The Chamber of Secrets. After the departure of the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher Professor Quirrell in the first book - no spoilers here! - Gilderoy is hired by Dumbledore to fill the position.
He's hugely charismatic and charming, and has a legion of fans who all swoon over him. He claims to have been on plenty of adventures, and writes about them in his books... But all is not as it seems.
Previously played so perfectly by Sir Kenneth Branagh in the film franchise, fans will be intrigued to see what Nicholas brings to the table - but his star turn as a pompous, deluded braggart in The Great will no doubt have been good practise.
Aside from those, Nicholas is also well-known for his roles in Skins, Mad Max, The Menu, the X-Men series - and will be taking on the role of Lex Luthor in the upcoming Superman film, Man of Tomorrow.
READ MORE | HBO’s Harry Potter TV series: See the original cast vs. the new stars
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