In a major casting shakeup, Kit Harington, best known for his role as Jon Snow in the hit series Game of Thrones, has been announced to join the highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series. Originally slated for the role was X-Men star Nicholas Hoult, who unfortunately had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts, according to HBO. The new series adaptation will air on HBO Max this Christmas, with the second season set to premiere in 2023, adapting JK Rowling's second book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Harington, who previously voiced Lockhart in an audiobook version, expressed his excitement about the role, calling it a "real dream." The new series stars Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. Oscar-nominated actor Jon Lithgow will portray headmaster Albus Dumbledore, while Nick Frost will play gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid. The show could potentially reunite Harington with director and producer Mark Mylod, who worked on Game of Thrones and is directing some Harry Potter episodes. However, Hoult's departure has sparked controversy due to his association with Rowling, who has faced criticism for her views on gender identity and trans rights. Representatives for both Harington and Hoult did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The HBO series is expected to span over 10 years, covering all seven books in the beloved Harry Potter series.