Nicholas Hoult has stepped away from portraying Gilderoy Lockhart in the forthcoming Harry Potter series, as criticism from anti-JK Rowling supporters intensifies.
The English actor, celebrated for his Golden Globe win, had previously expressed excitement over being selected for the eagerly awaited HBO adaptation.
However, following pressure from trans rights activists earlier this month, Hoult has exited the series, citing ‘scheduling conflicts.’ Kit Harington is set to take over the role.
JK Rowling, the creator of the Harry Potter universe, firmly supports women’s rights, yet some pro-trans advocates have criticized her as transphobic.
A dedicated fan account for Hoult, named Houltdaily, posted on X: ‘This account will halt posts for now. Nicholas Hoult, your actions have saddened numerous fans. Do better.’
Lesbianlexluthor 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 a user called Parasocialyte.
Hoult’s U-turn came less than a fortnight after his involvement was first announced.
He was set to play the conniving but charming Professor Lockhart from the series’ second book, Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets.
Nicholas Hoult has backed out of his role as Gilderoy Lockhart in the upcoming Harry Potter series amid mounting backlash over JK Rowling’s controversial views on transgender rights
The role of the conniving professor was originated by Kenneth Branagh over two decades ago in the 2002 blockbuster film, which earned over $883million at the worldwide box office
Nicolas told Variety previously that deciding to play the character was easy.
The Golden Globe nominee said: ‘It was a really simple yes, because I love the character.
‘As far as cameos in a series go, you don’t get much more entertaining and fun to do as an actor than Gilderoy Lockhart. It was a no-brainer.’
Filming for the second season of Harry Potter is expected to start this autumn, while the first season will come out on HBO and HBO Max on Christmas Day.
The role was originated by Kenneth Branagh in the 2002 blockbuster film, which earned over $883million at the worldwide box office.
In Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets, Lockhart is a Hogwarts professor who arrives as the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.
As per the book series, the character notably takes credit for other wizards’ ‘heroic deeds’ after wiping their memories.
Nicolas is no stranger to playing a villain, having previously portrayed Lex Luthor in the 2025 Superman film starring David Corenswet as the titular superhero.
The actor has gained mainstream Hollywood recognition after famously enjoying TV success in the UK young adult series Skins, as well as the Hulu comedy The Great, for which he earned both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
The HBO reboot of Harry Potter will see 11-year-old Dominic McLaughlin play Harry after the role was famously portrayed by Daniel Radcliffe, 37.
Alastair Stout will star as Ron Weasley, previously played by Rupert Grint, 38, and Arabella Stanton will complete the trio as Hermione Granger, who was played by Emma Watson, 36, in the iconic 2000s films.
Speaking recently about landing the titular role in the series, McLaughlin told the BBC: ‘I was always a huge Harry Potter fan when I was younger. And it was like the dream role, of course.’
He also called it a ‘bit surreal’, adding: ‘I’m thrilled to be able to be doing it.’
The HBO reboot of Harry Potter will see 11-year-old Dominic McLaughlin play Harry after the role was famously portrayed by Daniel Radcliffe, 37
Alastair Stout will star as Ron Weasley, previously played by Rupert Grint, 37, and Arabella Stanton will complete the trio as Hermione Granger, who was played by Emma Watson, 36, in the iconic early 2000s films; seen in March
Nick Frost is playing the role of Rubeus Hagrid in the TV series, with John Lithgow taking on the role of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore and Janet McTeer playing Professor McGonagall.
According to Deadline, Jon Brown, a writer on the not-yet-released first season, has been promoted to co-showrunner alongside Francesca Gardiner for season two of the Harry Potter series.
News of Hoult’s casting comes after author Rowling, who is executive producing the HBO series, said in a post on X in June that she had read the first two episodes of the TV adaptation.
The famed author called the episodes, ‘SO, SO, SO GOOD’.