Just weeks after the first season's trailer dropped, HBO has revealed a major casting decision for season two: Nicholas Hoult will play Gilderoy Lockhart, the narcissistic and wildly overhyped Defense Against the Dark Arts professor from "Chamber of Secrets." The role was famously brought to life by Kenneth Branagh in the 2002 film, whose flamboyant and endearing performance left a lasting impression—so all eyes will be on how Hoult puts his own spin on the character.
Season two is based on J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" and is set to begin filming this fall. Hoult joins an already-established young cast: Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The veteran lineup includes John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, and Nick Frost as Hagrid.
The behind-the-scenes team has also been confirmed: Jon Brown will serve as showrunner alongside series developer Francesca Gardiner, with Mark Mylod directing. Executive producers include Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman, with production handled by Warner Bros. Television.
Ahead of the season two announcement, season one is set to officially premiere on HBO and Max on December 25th.
