Nicholas Hoult will play Gilderoy Lockhart in the second season of the "Harry Potter" series

Nicholas Hoult will play Gilderoy Lockhart, the vain author and defense against the dark arts teacher, in the Harry Potter series, according to Deadline. The actor is known for roles in Mad Max: Fury Road, Nosferatu, and the recent Superman.

Lockhart plays a central role in the story of Chamber of Secrets, the second book by J.K. Rowling. Kenneth Branagh played the character in the 2002 film adaptation, giving him a comedic, self-absorbed flair. Hoult will now put his own spin on the role for a new generation of viewers.

The character will appear in season two of the show, with filming set to begin this fall. Season one, adapting Philosopher's Stone, arrives this Christmas. Young actors Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, and Arabella Stanton lead the cast.

The Harry Potter series is set to premiere in late 2026.