Before we even see a single episode of HBO’s Harry Potter streaming series, things are already gearing up for Season 2. That’s because there’s a time pressure to continue the show before the young cast – led by Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton, playing Harry, Ron and Hermione respectively – ages up. And since the second season will adapt The Chamber Of Secrets, that means we’re already getting some new Hogwarts teacher casting too. The latest to enter the castle: Nicholas Hoult.
According to Deadline, Hoult will be playing the role of Gilderoy Lockhart, the new Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher – whose vainglorious buffoonery is masked by his status as a successful author, having penned many memoirs of his globe-trotting wizarding adventures. The role was portrayed in the film series by Kenneth Branagh. While Lockhart primarily features in Chamber Of Secrets, there’s potential too for Hoult to show up in later seasons, in sequences that weren’t adapted in the films. Hoult is currently reprising his role as Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s Superman sequel-of-sorts Man Of Tomorrow, with Season 2 of Potter expected otherwise begin shooting this autumn.
As for what the team – led by showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod – have cooked up so far, fans will get to see Season 1 beginning this Christmas on HBO Max. The season will cover the events of the first book, The Philosopher’s Stone. Now, who’s good with a memory charm?
