The Owl Has Landed: "Superman" Star Nicholas Hoult Joins Second Season of "Harry Potter"

After 26 years, the actor finally managed to get an invitation to Hogwarts.

Nicholas Hoult has joined the cast of "Harry Potter." According to Deadline, in the second season of the HBO adaptation, he will play Gilderoy Lockhart – a famous writer and recipient of the Order of Merlin, who hides some unpleasant secrets. In the "Chamber of Secrets" adaptation, the character will take on the role of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts.

This will be Hoult's first appearance in the "Harry Potter" universe. About 26 years ago, the actor auditioned for the role of Harry himself, which ultimately went to Daniel Radcliffe.

The first season will be released on HBO and HBO Max on December 25, 2026. Screenwriters have already begun adapting the second book to shorten the break between seasons. Filming for the sequel is planned to begin in September, and the premiere date is currently unknown.