'Harry Potter' Recasting: Kit Harington to Play Gilderoy Lockhart, Replacing Nicholas Hoult

In a shakeup recasting, HBO's "Harry Potter" series has tapped Kit Harington to play Gilderoy Lockhart, replacing Nicholas Hoult, who dropped out of the role due to scheduling conflicts. Hoult's casting was announced earlier this month, but when shifting production schedules led to conflicts with the "Superman" actor's other projects, HBO released him from the role, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap. Harington, who is no stranger to HBO, will now play the defense against the dark arts professor in "Chamber of Secrets," which will align with the show's second season. . . .