Kit Harington Was Already a Lockhart Fan Before the Job Even Called

Kit Harington didn't need the promise of a Hogwarts paycheck to get behind HBO's Harry Potter series — he was already cheering it on from the sidelines. The former Game of Thrones star recently got candid about just how personally meaningful the wizarding world has become to him, and why landing the role of Gilderoy Lockhart felt less like a career move and more like a gift.

A Bedtime Ritual Turned Career Opportunity

Appearing on the Happy Sad Confused podcast this week, Harington revealed that Stephen Fry's Harry Potter audiobook recordings have become a nightly staple for him — and the reason runs deeper than simple fandom. According to TheWrap, the actor explained that his mind tends to race, particularly at night, and that quieting it became even harder after he got sober. The audiobooks, he said, became the thing that finally helped him switch off.

"They have a very special place in my heart," Harington shared, noting that he also loved the books as a kid. So when word broke that HBO was developing a full television adaptation, he was already fully on board — no personal stake required.

"I think they can really delve into it further than the films did," he said of the series, adding that his reaction to the eventual casting call was pretty simple: "Yes, please."

If you want more on how this chapter began, check out our earlier coverage of how Kit Harington steps into the Harry Potter series as Gilderoy Lockhart.

Getting Under Lockhart's (Magnificently Coiffed) Skin

Harington is clearly already doing the character work. When asked whether he'd begun thinking about Lockhart's signature look and mannerisms, he confirmed that development is actively underway — while keeping the specifics firmly under wraps. "It's highly secretive," he noted, though he did offer one fascinating lens through which he's approaching the role.

For Harington, Lockhart isn't just a preening fraud — he's an addict. Specifically, someone addicted to himself. The actor drew a wry parallel to his own experiences, joking that it's "just a tiny step to my left." It's the kind of layered, self-aware character insight that suggests his take on the beloved villain is going to be something special.

This isn't even Harington's first time inhabiting Lockhart, either — he previously voiced the character for Audible's Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Edition, so he's already got some feel for the role before cameras roll.

For a deeper dive into his mindset heading into this world, Kit Harington shares his excitement for the Harry Potter role is worth a read.

A Gryffindor Who Skips the Theme Park

On the lighter side, Harington confirmed he's sorted himself into Gryffindor — which, honestly, tracks for a man who spent years brooding on the Wall. However, he's drawing one firm line: do not expect to spot him wandering through the Wizarding World of Harry Potter any time soon. "It might get a bit intense," he said with a laugh, and honestly, fair point.

The Bigger Picture for Season 2

Harington stepped into the Lockhart role after Nicholas Hoult had to exit due to scheduling conflicts. Season 2 of the HBO series — which will adapt Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets — is set to begin production this fall. The show already secured an early renewal ahead of its Christmas season debut, signaling serious confidence from the network.

The series hasn't been without turbulence, as several cast members have been publicly asked about J.K. Rowling's controversial views on trans people. Nick Frost, who plays Hagrid, made his own position clear last year, stating simply that his views and Rowling's "don't align in any way, shape or form."

Still, the machine is moving, and with Kit Harington opening up about joining the Harry Potter universe in such a personal way, it's hard not to feel like Season 2 just got a whole lot more intriguing.