Kit Harington Addresses Controversy Over His 'Harry Potter' Role
Kit Harington has spoken out for the first time about joining the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series, per a report by Collider. He acknowledged the controversy surrounding author J.K. Rowling's involvement.
Collider notes that Rowling, whose public statements on transgender issues have drawn widespread criticism, remains closely involved in the production. HBO boss Casey Bloys confirmed her continued role in a separate interview.
Harington, famous for his role as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, will play the vain and fraudulent Professor Gilderoy Lockhart in the show's second season, which adapts the second book. He replaces Nicholas Hoult, who was originally cast in the role.
In an interview on the Today show, Harington explained his personal connection to the franchise drove his decision. "I was a fan when I was a kid, and then I rediscovered it as an adult," he said. "I listen to it every single night... they’re really important books to me."
He added that the idea of a series appealed to him because it could explore the books more fully than the films. The Harry Potter series is set to premiere on HBO this Christmas.
