Nicholas Hoult pictured on June 4, 2019 / Reuters
Nicholas Hoult has joined the cast of HBO’s new Harry Potter adaptation in the role of Gilderoy Lockhart.
The hugely-anticipated series premieres on Christmas Day with season one, which follows the first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
Season two is based on novel two, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, in which Lockhart – a wizard with delusions of grandeur – is a central character.
Incredibly arrogant and self-absorbed, Lockhart joins Hogwarts as the new Professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts but it soon becomes clear to Harry and classmates that he is incompetent and unsuited for the role.
The role was previously played by Sir Kenneth Branagh in the 2002 big-screen adaptation.
Filming on season two is due to begin this Autumn ahead of an anticipated release in late 2027 or early 2028.
