“Exceptional casting”: X-Men star reportedly set to become new Hogwarts professor in HBO series

While fans are still eagerly awaiting the premiere of the first season, HBO is already working behind the scenes on Season 2 – or, more specifically, its cast. As Deadline exclusively reports, Nicholas Hoult, whom movie and TV fans will probably know best for playing Hank McCoy, aka Beast, in the more recent X-Men films, is reportedly being lined up for the role of Professor Gilderoy Lockhart. Deadline does not explain exactly where this information comes from, however. While there has been no official confirmation yet, the revelation is already being very well received by fans.

Gilderoy Lockhart plays an important role in the second Harry Potter book. The vain wizard, who likes to present himself as a fearless adventurer, takes up the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts. Behind his charming facade, however, lies far less competence than his numerous books and awards would suggest. Hoult recently played a similarly self-important character as Lex Luthor in Superman, which may well have played a role in the casting decision.

Fans call it an excellent casting choice

On Reddit, Potterheads initially expressed surprise that a relatively small role would be filled by such a big name. That has done little to dampen their excitement at the prospect of seeing Hoult as Gilderoy Lockhart, however. His performance in The Great in particular – a satirical historical series about the rise of Russian Empress Catherine the Great, in which Hoult plays her husband Peter III – is seen by many as proof that he could convincingly portray Lockhart's mix of charm, narcissism and complete overconfidence. Fans are calling it an “excellent casting choice.”

Some fans would have preferred Kit Harington as Gilderoy Lockhart, as he voices the character in the new full-cast audiobooks. However, there is hardly any outright opposition to Hoult in the discussion. Whether the 36-year-old will actually appear on screen as the self-absorbed Hogwarts professor should become clear by the time filming is scheduled to begin in fall 2026.