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Scratch that: Nicholas Hoult won't be heading to Hogwarts after all.The "Superman" star has been recast in HBO's "Harry Potter" series, less than two weeks after his casting was announced.Hoult was previously tapped to play the role of Gilderoy Lockhart in Season 2 of HBO's "Harry Potter." But on Monday, Aug. 24, the show's official Instagram account confirmed a change of plans: The role will now be played by "Game of Thrones" star Kit Harington instead.The switch-up was first reported by Deadline, which said the recasting was due to scheduling issues on Hoult's part. The "Harry Potter" account seemingly confirmed the news via Instagram Story with a photo of Harington along with the onscreen statement, "Before we begin year two at Hogwarts, there has been a slight change due to schedule."USA TODAY has reached out to HBO for comment.Who is Kit Harington's Harry Potter character, Gilderoy Lockhart?In the "Harry Potter" books, Gilderoy Lockhart is an author who becomes the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts. The character was introduced in the second book in the young adult series, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," and in the 2002 movie adaptation, he was played by Kenneth Branagh.Harington previously voiced Gilderoy Lockhart in Audible's full-cast audiobook edition of the novel, which released in December 2025. Speaking to Variety at the time, the "Eternals" actor admitted he's a "complete nerd for the books" and quickly agreed to voice Lockhart."It was a really simple yes, because I love the character," he told Variety. "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."HBO's "Harry Potter" will be a new adaptation of J.K. Rowling's original books, with the author serving as a producer. Hoult had faced some backlash from fans for his decision to join the show, as has every member of its cast, due to Rowling's history of controversial anti-trans commentary.High-profile stars who have already joined the cast of "Harry Potter" include John Lithgow as Dumbledore and Nick Frost as Hagrid. The main three stars playing Harry, Ron and Hermione are largely unknown young actors: Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton.For Harington, "Potter" will mark a return to HBO after he starred for eight seasons as Jon Snow on "Game of Thrones," earning two Emmy nominations for the role. He has also played Henry Muck on "Industry," which airs on HBO in the United States."Harry Potter" premieres on HBO on Dec. 25.'Harry Potter' TV series full cast listDominic McLaughlin as Harry PotterArabella Stanton as Hermione GrangerAlastair Stout as Ron WeasleyJohn Lithgow as Albus DumbledoreJanet McTeer as Minerva McGonagallPaapa Essiedu as Severus SnapeNick Frost as Rubeus HagridLuke Thallon as Quirinus QuirrellLox Pratt as Draco MalfoyJohnny Flynn as Lucius MalfoyElijah Oshin as Dean ThomasKatherine Parkinson as Molly WeasleyGracie Cochrane as Ginny WeasleyRuari Spooner as Percy WeasleyGabriel Harland as George WeasleyTristan Harland as Fred WeasleyLeo Earley as Seamus FinniganAlessia Leoni as Parvati PatilSienna Moosah as Lavender BrownBel Powley as Petunia DursleyDaniel Rigby as Vernon DursleyAmos Kitson as Dudley DursleyBertie Carvel as Cornelius FudgePaul Whitehouse as Argus FilchRory Wilmot as Neville LongbottomLouise Brealey as Madam Rolanda HoochBríd Brennan as Poppy PomfreyRichard Durden as Cuthbert BinnsLeigh Gill as GriphookSirine Saba as Pomona SproutWarwick Davis as Filius FlitwickWilliam Nash as Gregory GoyleFinn Stephens as Vincent CrabbeAnton Lesser as Garrick OllivanderKit Harington as Gilderoy Lockhart
