Kit Harington defended his “Harry Potter” role amid controversy surrounding author J.K. Rowling. Harington explained that the franchise has personal significance for him, saying he really wanted to be part of it.
Kit Harington defends his ‘Harry Potter’ role amid backlash
Kit Harington opened up about his role in HBO’s “Harry Potter” series amid controversy surrounding the franchise. In an interview with Today, he told Craig Melvin why he wanted to join the series despite the backlash.
Harington said, “I’ve been a lifelong Harry Potter fan. I was a fan when I was a kid, and then I rediscovered it as an adult, listening to it every night. I listen to it every single night, and it helps me go to sleep, and I know other people do that as well, so they’re really important books to me.”
Harington voiced Gilderoy Lockhart in the “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” full-cast audiobook released by Audible in 2025.
Nicholas Hoult was initially set to play Lockhart in Season 2, but Harington was later announced as his replacement, with scheduling issues cited for the change.
Harington said, “When I knew this was happening as a series, I thought it was the best idea. I love the films, but with this, they can really explore the books at their fullest, and for a book nerd like me, that was a really great idea. So it was one that I had eyes on. I really wanted to be in it, and the part I’m playing is just the best.”
Since the “Harry Potter” adaptation was announced, the series has faced online backlash amid ongoing debate surrounding the franchise.
Additionally, J.K. Rowling’s views on transgender rights have remained a source of controversy surrounding the series.
The “Harry Potter” books were previously adapted into eight films released between 2001 and 2011. Actors Rafe Spall as Arthur Weasley, Jasper Ambrose as Colin Creevey, and Molly Hewitt-Richards as Moaning Myrtle are also joining HBO’s “Harry Potter” Season 2.
