Kit Harington has signed on to HBO’s Harry Potter TV series as Gilderoy Lockhart, adding that he believes the series is a “great idea”, despite the anger surrounding JK Rowling’s controversial views on trans rights.

Speaking on the 16 September 2026 episode of Today, the 39-year-old actor said: “I’ve been a lifelong Harry Potter fan. 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 go to sleep, and I know how other people do that as well, so they’re really important books to me.”

Harington also explained why he thinks the story works as a long-form adaptation. “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.”

He confirmed filming is already well underway, adding: “We’re into it now. We’re into the second season.”

Harington described the production as tightly controlled, joking: “I feel like there’s sort of HBO snipers everywhere. I can’t say anything. It’s the most secretive thing.”

The series is reportedly set to premiere on HBO at Christmas.

Harington replaced Nicholas Hoult in the role of Lockhart, after Hoult exited due to scheduling conflicts.

This isn’t Harington’s first Harry Potter related role. He previously voiced Lockhart in Audible’s Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions, released last year.

The new series has faced ongoing criticism due to Rowling’s comments about trans people, including that trans women shouldn’t be allowed into female-only spaces.

In 2025, HBO CEO Casey Bloys said Rowling’s contentious views on trans rights would not impact the TV adaptation.

Harington did not expand further on the controversy during his Today appearance, focusing instead on his personal connection to the books.

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