Kit Harington Cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in HBO’s Harry Potter as Simon Cowell Steps Back for Surgery
Entertainment fans have two major cast updates to follow this week. Kit Harington will play Gilderoy Lockhart in Season 2 of HBO’s Harry Potter, replacing Nicholas Hoult, while Simon Cowell is stepping away from several weeks of America’s Got Talent Season 21 live shows for back surgery.
According to Deadline, Hoult exited the role after scheduling conflicts involving two existing projects made it difficult to accommodate the production timetable. HBO then approached Harington, who was available and agreed to take over as Lockhart: the vain new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher featured in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
The change matters because Lockhart is one of the second story’s most memorable personalities. Harington, best known for Game of Thrones, brings a very different screen presence to the part, giving viewers plenty to discuss before Season 2 begins filming this fall.
Meanwhile, USA Today reports that Cowell will miss the live shows for several weeks while undergoing a planned back procedure. Guest judges are expected to fill his seat during his recovery, with Cowell anticipated to return later in the season.
For your next Front Porch Friday, make it a double-feature conversation: Which Lockhart performance are you expecting from Harington, and will AGT feel different without Cowell? Share your predictions with neighbors, friends, and fellow entertainment fans: and follow Brownstone Worldwide for more timely updates.
