Published: 19:01 BST, 24 August 2026 | Updated: 15:24 BST, 25 August 2026
Nicholas Hoult has backed out of his role as Gilderoy Lockhart in the upcoming Harry Potter second series amid mounting backlash from anti-JK Rowling activists.
It was announced less than a fortnight ago that the actor had been cast in the much-anticipated HBO remake.
But after a pile-on from the trans lobby, he has pulled out of the project – blaming 'scheduling issues'. Game Of Thrones star Kit Harington will play the part instead.
Harry Potter author Rowling is a fierce defender of women's rights, but has been labelled transphobic by some campaigners.
Many of the actors taking up roles in the new series have faced the wrath of her critics, who believe any remakes of her work should be boycotted. Rowling serves as an executive producer on HBO's show.
After the announcement was made that the actor would star in the series, a fan account dedicated to the Skins star, Houltdaily, wrote on X: 'Pausing any posts on this account for the time being. Nicholas Hoult do better, so many of your fans are hurt.'
Another account posted: 'I’m going to just log off indefinitely for now. I really have no idea what I’m going to do. I genuinely have no idea.'
'Incredibly disappointed. Used to be one of my favourite actors but oh well!' added another.
Nicholas Hoult has backed out of his role in the upcoming Harry Potter series after a pile-on by the trans lobby, less than two weeks after his casting was announced
He was meant to play the role of the charming yet conniving professor, Gilderoy Lockhart. The role was played by Kenneth Branagh in the second Harry Potter film
Games Of Thrones star Kit Harington has now been drafted in to take Hoult's place
Hoult made the U-turn less than a fortnight after his involvement was announced.
He had been set to play the conniving but charming Professor Lockhart from the series' second book, Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets.
The role has now been given to Harington, who voiced the part of Lockhart for Audible's star-studded Harry Potter audiobooks.
