You searched for Heartstopper - GAY TIMES https://www.gaytimes.com/ Amplifying queer voices. Thu, 02 Oct 2025 01:00:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 Heartstopper’s Joe Locke makes West End debut in new queer play Clarkston – review https://www.gaytimes.com/performance/heartstoppers-joe-locke-makes-west-end-debut-in-new-queer-play-clarkston-review/ Thu, 02 Oct 2025 09:00:03 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1452467 It’s been quite a busy few years for actor Joe Locke – of course LGBTQ+ Netflix series Heartstopper has been a runaway success, and Joe has subsequently landed a role…

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It’s been quite a busy few years for actor Joe Locke – of course LGBTQ+ Netflix series Heartstopper has been a runaway success, and Joe has subsequently landed a role in hit Disney/MCU series Agatha All Along. Last year he made his Broadway debut in Sweeney Todd, and 2025 sees Joe’s professional West End stage debut in Clarkston, a new play by Samuel D Hunter, who is perhaps best known for writing the play The Whale – from which the Oscar-winning film was adapted.

Joe plays the role of Jake, a CostCo employee in a small American town out west. We also meet Chris, played by Ruaridh Mollica, who is one of Jake’s colleagues, as well as Chris’ mom Trisha played by Sophie Melville. We discover early on that each character is battling their own demons: Jake has Huntington’s disease which means he’ll never reach old age, and is wrestling with how he should spend his remaining ‘good’ years: Chris doesn’t have a great relationship with his family and is also clearly struggling with some internalised homophobia: while Trisha has been battling addiction for many years.

The overall tone of the play is pretty much relentlessly bleak – if you were after some lighthearted easy viewing, you’ve come to the wrong place. Our trio of characters all have numerous flaws; we see bad decisions happening in realtime, creating unpleasant tensions that are difficult to watch; and we see some quite cruel and manipulative power plays being deployed. Clarkston certainly isn’t a play that shies away from life’s difficulties.

It’s a play that touches on some interesting issues, ones that will no doubt resonate with LGBTQ+ audiences. In particular we see our characters grappling with the idea of being openly gay in a small conservative town; we also witness difficulties with opening up to vulnerability in the knowledge that it could result in being hurt. All three characters seem to be searching for some sort of meaning and purpose for their lives.

Yet something about Clarkston doesn’t quite land as it should. There seems to be a bit of a disconnect between what’s happening and how the audience is responding – we didn’t particularly buy into these characters and their stories. What was happening on stage was incredibly sad, yet we rarely felt moved by it. Everything just seems a bit too overly explained – the dialogue all feels a bit obvious. There’s also not a lot else happening besides the dialogue – it’s a very static production. The set doesn’t really change, with different spaces created through lighting and sound.

We didn’t dislike Clarkston – it’s a perfectly watchable 90 minutes of theatre – but we didn’t particularly feel moved by it either. It does shine a spotlight on some interesting LGBTQ+ conversations, which we’re always keen to see at major theatres, but beyond that there’s not a huge amount to recommend.

GAY TIMES gives Clarkston – 3/5

More information can be found here.

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Heartstopper creator says there will be “quite a few surprises” in upcoming film https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/heartstopper-creator-says-there-will-be-quite-a-few-surprises-in-upcoming-film/ Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:49:19 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1447691 Alice Oseman has teased new information about the upcoming Heartstopper film. Back in April, the beloved writer and Netflix announced that the hit series would be coming to an end…

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Alice Oseman has teased new information about the upcoming Heartstopper film.

Back in April, the beloved writer and Netflix announced that the hit series would be coming to an end with a feature-length film.

In a statement, Oseman said: “I am completely overjoyed that we will get to tell the end of the Heartstopper story.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who has worked hard to make this possible and to the incredible fans of Heartstopper for your patience and passion. I cannot wait to bring this story to a magical conclusion.”

Since that fateful day, things have been moving full steam ahead for the Heartstopper creative team and cast, with production starting in June and ending in July.

While there’s still no word on when the movie, titled Heartstopper Forever, will be released, Oseman graciously treated fans to some new details during their recent appearance at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

When asked if they could say anything about the project, the Solitaire author said: “I don’t know what I can say about the movie that you guys probably don’t already know… It’s based on Volume Six; it’s also based on the Nick and Charlie novella.”

While it seemed like Oseman was going to remain tight-lipped on any plot details, they went on to reveal that the movie will “slightly diverge” from its source material.

“What I could say… I mean, I’ve talked a little bit earlier about how it’s been very difficult to implement the events of the novella in Volume Six,” they explained.

“Well, in the film, I have found a different way to approach this problem, and so there is a point in the movie where we slightly diverge from the events of volume six, and it takes a slightly different path to get to the ending, which I find really fun and exciting.

“So even once you read Volume Six, there will still be quite a few surprises in the movie waiting for you. So there you go.”

Oseman isn’t the only Heartstopper creative to dish about the film’s content.

 

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A post shared by Alice Oseman (@aliceoseman)

While interviewing friend and Enola Holmes star Louis Partridge for VMan Magazine, Kit Connor teased that his character Nick and Joe Locke’s Charlie will have more “steamy” moments in the finale movie.

“I was doing rugby training today… Always some kind of throwing myself on the ground. We shot quite a steamy scene yesterday,” he said. “So again, throwing myself on the ground in a different way.”

As previously mentioned, Heartstopper Forever will bring to life the events of Volume Six and the Nick and Charlie novella.

The official synopsis reads: “Nick and Charlie are inseparable, but with Nick preparing to leave for university and Charlie finding new independence at school, the reality of a long-distance relationship begins to weigh on them.

“Doubts take hold, and their relationship faces its biggest challenge yet. Meanwhile, their friends are also navigating the ups and downs of love and friendship, confronting the bittersweet challenges of growing up and moving on. Can first loves really last forever?”

Wash Westmoreland, who’s best known for Still Alice (2014) and Colette (2018), is set to direct the film. Connor and Locke serve as executive producers alongside Oseman, Patrick Walters, Ian Canning, Emile Sherman and Euros Lyn.

The film will also see the return of William Gao as Tao, Corinna Brown as Tara, Kizzy Edgell as Darcy, Tobie Donovan as Isaac, Jenny Walser as Tori, Rhea Norwood as Imogen, Cormac Hyde-Corrin as Harry, Fisayo Akinade as Nathan, Chetna Pandya as Coach Singh, Bradley Riches as James and Bel Priestly as Naomi.

Heartstopper Forever will premiere on Netflix sometime in 2026.

Stay tuned for more updates.

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Netflix anuncia el fin del rodaje de la película ‘Heartstopper Forever’ https://www.gaytimes.com/espanol/netflix-anuncia-el-fin-del-rodaje-de-la-pelicula-heartstopper-forever/ Wed, 30 Jul 2025 09:18:19 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1444921 ¡Heartstopper ha finalizado oficialmente su rodaje! El 27 de julio, los protagonistas Kit Connor y Joe Locke anunciaron en redes sociales que la película, que marcará el final de la…

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¡Heartstopper ha finalizado oficialmente su rodaje!

El 27 de julio, los protagonistas Kit Connor y Joe Locke anunciaron en redes sociales que la película, que marcará el final de la franquicia, ha concluido su rodaje.

Connor y Locke, quienes interpretan a Nick y Charlie, compartieron emotivas fotos de despedida con los mensajes: “Adiós, Charlie. Gracias <3” y “Rodaje terminado. Gracias por todo.”

En su cuenta de Instagram, Alice Oseman, autora de los cómics en los que se basa la serie, publicó imágenes del cierre de rodaje junto al mensaje: “¡Nuestras últimas fotos del cierre de rodaje de Heartstopper! Con cariño, del director Wash Westmoreland, el productor ejecutivo Patrick Walters, la guionista y creadora Alice Oseman, el productor Brett Thomas, el director de fotografía James Rhodes y los protagonistas y productores ejecutivos Kit Connor y Joe Locke.”

Los fans de la franquicia han expresado en redes sociales los sentimientos encontrados que les genera la noticia. “Basta, no quiero que termine nunca”, lamentó un seguidor, mientras otro agradeció: “Gracias por darnos una serie tan hermosa, una caricia al alma con Heartstopper. Orgulloso de todos.”

La película, titulada oficialmente Heartstopper Forever, fue confirmada por primera vez en abril, seis meses después del estreno de la aclamada tercera temporada de la serie.

 

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A post shared by Alice Oseman (@aliceoseman)

La sinopsis oficial dice: “Nick y Charlie son inseparables, pero con Nick preparándose para ir a la universidad y Charlie descubriendo una nueva independencia en el colegio, la realidad de una relación a distancia empieza a hacer mella en ellos.
Las dudas comienzan a surgir, y su relación se enfrenta a su mayor desafío hasta ahora. Mientras tanto, sus amigos también navegan por los altibajos del amor y la amistad, enfrentando los retos agridulces de crecer y seguir adelante. ¿Puede el primer amor durar para siempre?”

Wash Westmoreland, conocido por Siempre Alice (2014) y Colette (2018), será el encargado de dirigir la película. Connor y Locke participan como productores ejecutivos junto a la creadora de Heartstopper, Alice Oseman, además de Patrick Walters, Ian Canning, Emile Sherman y Euros Lyn.

Además de Connor y Locke, se espera el regreso de William Gao como Tao, Corinna Brown como Tara, Kizzy Edgell como Darcy, Tobie Donovan como Isaac, Jenny Walser como Tori, Rhea Norwood como Imogen, Cormac Hyde-Corrin como Harry, Fisayo Akinade como Nathan, Chetna Pandya como la entrenadora Singh, Bradley Riches como James y Bel Priestly como Naomi.

Heartstopper Forever se estrenará en Netflix en 2026.

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Kit Connor and Joe Locke bid farewell to Nick and Charlie as Heartstopper film wraps https://www.gaytimes.com/films/heartstopper-film-wraps-joe-locke-kit-connor/ Mon, 28 Jul 2025 12:27:59 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1444065 Heartstopper has officially wrapped! On 27 July, stars Kit Connor and Joe Locke shared on social media that the upcoming film — which will mark the end of the franchise…

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Heartstopper has officially wrapped!

On 27 July, stars Kit Connor and Joe Locke shared on social media that the upcoming film — which will mark the end of the franchise — has finished filming.

Connor and Locke, who play Nick and Charlie, posted their own wrap photos with the captions: “Bye Charlie, thankyou<3” and “Wrapped. Thank you for everything.”

Locke’s post, which attracted responses from fellow Heartstopper actor Bradley Riches and Young Royals star Edvin Ryding, was met with thousands of emotional – and celebratory – comments from fans.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to put into words what Charlie means to me. Thank you for being the best Charlie Spring we could have asked, Joe,” said one fan, while another wrote: “You are so incredibly inspiring and I’m immensely proud of you. You are our Charlie Spring forever.”

The film, officially titled Heartstopper Forever, was first confirmed in April – six months after the show’s critically acclaimed third season was released.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Joe Locke (@joelocke03)

The official synopsis reads: “Nick and Charlie are inseparable, but with Nick preparing to leave for university and Charlie finding new independence at school, the reality of a long-distance relationship begins to weigh on them.

“Doubts take hold, and their relationship faces its biggest challenge yet. Meanwhile, their friends are also navigating the ups and downs of love and friendship, confronting the bittersweet challenges of growing up and moving on. Can first loves really last forever?”

Wash Westmoreland, who’s best known for Still Alice (2014) and Colette (2018), is set to direct the film. Connor and Locke serve as executive producers alongside Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman, Patrick Walters, Ian Canning, Emile Sherman and Euros Lyn.

As well as Connor and Locke, the film is expected to see the return of William Gao as Tao, Corinna Brown as Tara, Kizzy Edgell as Darcy, Tobie Donovan as Isaac, Jenny Walser as Tori, Rhea Norwood as Imogen, Cormac Hyde-Corrin as Harry, Fisayo Akinade as Nathan, Chetna Pandya as Coach Singh, Bradley Riches as James and Bel Priestly as Naomi.

Heartstopper Forever will premiere on Netflix in 2026.

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Heartstopper star Joe Locke to make West End debut! https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/heartstopper-joe-locke-to-make-west-end-debut/ Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:44:17 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1442027 Heartstopper star Joe Locke is set to make his West End debut in the UK premiere of Clarkston. Written by Samuel D. Hunter, best known for his Oscar-winning drama The…

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Heartstopper star Joe Locke is set to make his West End debut in the UK premiere of Clarkston.

Written by Samuel D. Hunter, best known for his Oscar-winning drama The Whale, the story follows Jake, a young man “on a journey West to rediscover himself,” where he meets Chris, a “kindred soul hiding in a night shift at a Costco in a rural American town”.

The synopsis continues: “As their bond deepens, so does their sense of adventure. Maybe they could finally give life new meaning by chasing something more – like the intrepid explorers Lewis and Clark before them.”

Described as a “modern frontier story that blazes a trail through friendship, acceptance, love and the hope of new discoveries,” Clarkston will be directed by Drama Desk and Obie-winning director Jack Serio. Locke will star opposite Ruaridh Mollica (Sebastian) and Sophie Melville (The Way).

In a statement, Locke said he’s “thrilled” to be making his West End debut in Clarkston, adding: “Samuel D. Hunter’s writing is so deeply human and honest that I immediately connected with the play when I read it. I can’t wait to bring this beautiful story to life and share it with audiences in London.”

D. Hunter said: “I couldn’t be more excited to bring Clarkston to London audiences, especially with this phenomenal cast and creative team. I’ve always adored the UK’s theatre scene, so being able to share this play with audiences in the West End is truly a dream come true.

“This play draws from themes of the vast and isolated American West and the colonial past of the United States, but it’s fundamentally a story about love and friendship in the midst of an unknown future, which is a pretty universal story these days.”

Locke memorably rose to fame as Charlie Spring in Netflix’s lauded teen drama series Heartstopper, which is set to conclude with a feature film. For his performance, Locke received a nomination at the Children’s and Family Emmy Awards.

Last year, he made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in the series Agatha All Along, where he played Billy Maximoff/William Kaplan/Wiccan – the son of Avengers anti-hero Wanda/Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen).

As for his stage credits, Locke won the Best Professional Debut Award for his performance in The Trials (2022), and made his Broadway debut in 2024 in the Tony-nominated Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Clarkston will have a limited run in the West End this Autumn – visit the play’s official website for more information.

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Heartstopper creator shares exciting but bittersweet update on feature film finale https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/heartstopper-creator-shares-exciting-but-bittersweet-update-on-feature-film-finale/ Thu, 03 Jul 2025 21:36:30 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1441096 Attention Heartstopper fans! Alice Oseman has shared an exciting update about the upcoming film. Back in June, Netflix confirmed that the final entry in the beloved series was officially in…

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Attention Heartstopper fans! Alice Oseman has shared an exciting update about the upcoming film.

Back in June, Netflix confirmed that the final entry in the beloved series was officially in production.

“We’re back! Production has officially begun on the feature film finale of Heartstopper,” the caption revealed.

Since that fateful day, fans (including us) have been hungry for more updates on the highly anticipated project.

Fortunately, on 2 July, Oseman curbed our appetite when they shared a new filming update.

“We are over halfway through the shoot for the @heartstopper movie,” they wrote alongside a photo of them sitting in Charlie’s bedroom.

The post also included a photo of fellow producer Patrick Walters standing in Nick’s room.

Understandably, fans had bittersweet responses to Oseman’s exciting news, with many expressing sadness over the forthcoming end of the Heartstopper TV series.

“I’m trying sooo hard to be okay with the fact this is ending, but I’m a mess and I can’t even imagine how you and the rest of the cast and crew are feeling about it,” one person wrote.

Another fan echoed similar sentiments, commenting: “I can’t believe it’s almost over. My heart is both happy we get a proper ending but hurting because the end is near. Thank you so much for the beautiful gift of Heartstopper. It’s brought me so much joy and comfort and good friends. I’ll forever be grateful to you and the amazing cast.”

 

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A post shared by Alice Oseman (@aliceoseman)

Oseman’s recent update comes a few months after they opened up about some of the goals they have for Heartstopper’s grand finale.

“On a basic level, of course, I want the movie to be a beautiful and emotional send-off for the Heartstopper story, celebrating what Heartstopper means to people, a chance to say goodbye to our beloved characters, and many hints of what’s to come in the character’s future lives,” the Loveless author explained.

“On a slightly deeper level, I think this movie will explore what makes love survive, or what elevates it, or deepens it. At 18, 17, Nick and Charlie are hurtling towards their adult lives. Many teenage relationships don’t survive that pivotal moment of change.”

The upcoming Heartstopper film was first confirmed in April, six months after the show’s critically acclaimed third season was released.

The official synopsis for the film reads: “Nick and Charlie are inseparable, but with Nick preparing to leave for university and Charlie finding new independence at school, the reality of a long-distance relationship begins to weigh on them.

Netflix

“Doubts take hold, and their relationship faces its biggest challenge yet. Meanwhile, their friends are also navigating the ups and downs of love and friendship, confronting the bittersweet challenges of growing up and moving on. Can first loves really last forever?”

Filmmaker Wash Westmoreland, who’s best known for Still Alice and Colette, is set to direct the film.

Connor and Locke will also serve as executive producers alongside Oseman, Walters, Ian Canning, Emile Sherman, and Euros Lyn.

As for the cast of the Heartstopper film, all of the main players are expected to reprise their fan-favourite roles: William Gao as Tao, Corinna Brown as Tara, Kizzy Edgell as Darcy, Tobie Donovan as Isaac, Jenny Walser as Tori, Rhea Norwood as Imogen, Cormac Hyde-Corrin as Harry, Fisayo Akinade as Nathan, Chetna Pandya as Coach Singh, Bradley Riches as James and Bel Priestly as Naomi.

At the time of writing, a release date for the highly anticipated feature film has not been announced.

The first three seasons of Heartstopper are now available to stream on Netflix.

Netflix

 

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Joe Locke wants to play a character who’s not a “skinny gay twink” https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/joe-locke-heartstopper-agatha-all-along-twink-death/ Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:19:41 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1437837 Joe Locke is ready to enter his twink death era! In a joint interview with fellow Marvel star Charlie Cox for Variety’s Actors-on-Actors, the pair reflected on how performers are…

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Joe Locke is ready to enter his twink death era!

In a joint interview with fellow Marvel star Charlie Cox for Variety’s Actors-on-Actors, the pair reflected on how performers are often cast in roles that closely align with their real-life personalities.

“As you work more and more, the industry allows you to try more things,” said Cox. “And you want to do different characters and play parts that you wouldn’t necessarily have been cast in early on. Daredevil is a really good example of that for me. He’s so different from who I am.”

Locke, who memorably shot to fame as Charlie Spring in Heartstopper, admitted that he’s still mostly sent auditions for “the same skinny twinks.”

“Which is great,” he said. “And I’m really good at playing that, because I am a skinny gay twink. I’m struggling now [because] I want to do the opposite of that.

“I’ve been trying to put on weight recently. I just can’t do it. I know it’s like, “Oh, my metabolism’s too fast …” In 10 years, I’m sure I’ll be like, “God, I wish!”

Last year, Locke made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in Agatha All Along as Teen, who was later revealed to be – spoiler alert? – Billy Maximoff, the son of Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany).

After securing the role, Locke assumed he would be paid to “put on loads of muscle”: “And they’re like, ‘Oh, no, no…’ I was like, ‘Great, cool. Thanks, guys.’”

“I’m so worried about being boxed in,” he continued to tell Cox. “I’m really grateful that I’ve been able to play loads of great queer characters, but I don’t want that to define my career.”

Locke named Rustin star Colman Domingo as an inspiration, praising him as an “incredible openly queer person” with a “diverse” range of roles.

“He plays the abusive husband in The Color Purple, then plays an amazing character in other things. Or Jonathan Bailey,” he said, adding: “What I like about [my character on Agatha] is his queerness isn’t a defining feature.

“The whole point of representation is to change people’s opinions about things. You can’t do that without positive representation where it’s just a part of them. It’s great that Marvel felt willing to have that sort of representation on-screen.”

Locke is set to reprise his role as Charlie in the upcoming Heartstopper film, which will serve as a conclusion for the beloved series.

The official synopsis for the film reads: “Nick and Charlie are inseparable, but with Nick preparing to leave for university and Charlie finding new independence at school, the reality of a long-distance relationship begins to weigh on them.

“Doubts take hold, and their relationship faces its biggest challenge yet. Meanwhile, their friends are also navigating the ups and downs of love and friendship, confronting the bittersweet challenges of growing up and moving on. Can first loves really last forever?”

Filmmaker Wash Westmoreland, who’s best known for Still Alice and Colette, is set to direct the film.

Visit here for everything we know so far about the Heartstopper film. 

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Heartstopper Film: Netflix makes our heart skip a beat with first behind-the-scenes photo https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/heartstopper-film-netflix-makes-our-heart-skip-a-beat-with-first-behind-the-scenes-photo-gay/ Mon, 09 Jun 2025 21:38:02 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1437109 The Heartstopper film is officially in production! Netflix confirmed the exciting news on Monday (9 June) alongside a photo of creator Alice Oseman, Kit Connor and Joe Locke. “We’re back!…

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The Heartstopper film is officially in production!

Netflix confirmed the exciting news on Monday (9 June) alongside a photo of creator Alice Oseman, Kit Connor and Joe Locke.

“We’re back! Production has officially begun on the feature film finale of Heartstopper,” the caption revealed.

As of writing, a release date for the highly-anticipated feature film has not been announced.

The upcoming Heartstopper project, which serves as a conclusion for the series, was first confirmed in April, six months after the show’s critically acclaimed third season was released.

The official synopsis for the film reads: “Nick and Charlie are inseparable, but with Nick preparing to leave for university and Charlie finding new independence at school, the reality of a long-distance relationship begins to weigh on them.

“Doubts take hold, and their relationship faces its biggest challenge yet. Meanwhile, their friends are also navigating the ups and downs of love and friendship, confronting the bittersweet challenges of growing up and moving on. Can first loves really last forever?”

Filmmaker Wash Westmoreland, who’s best known for Still Alice and Colette, is set to direct the film.

Connor and Locke will also serve as executive producers alongside Oseman, Patrick Walters, Ian Canning, Emile Sherman, and Euros Lyn.

As for the cast of the Heartstopper film, all of the main players are expected to reprise their fan-favourite roles: William Gao as Tao, Corinna Brown as Tara, Kizzy Edgell as Darcy, Tobie Donovan as Isaac, Jenny Walser as Tori, Rhea Norwood as Imogen, Cormac Hyde-Corrin as Harry, Fisayo Akinade as Nathan, Chetna Pandya as Coach Singh, Bradley Riches as James and Bel Priestly as Naomi.

 

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A post shared by See-Saw Films (@see_saw_films)

In an interview with Netflix’s Tudum, Oseman opened up about some of the goals they have for Heartstopper’s grand finale. 

“On a basic level, of course, I want the movie to be a beautiful and emotional send-off for the Heartstopper story, celebrating what Heartstopper means to people, a chance to say goodbye to our beloved characters, and many hints of what’s to come in the character’s future lives,” the Loveless author explained.

“On a slightly deeper level, I think this movie will explore what makes love survive, or what elevates it, or deepens it. At 18, 17, Nick and Charlie are hurtling towards their adult lives. Many teenage relationships don’t survive that pivotal moment of change.”

Oseman went on to say that they want the film to explore whether Nick and Charlie are “a forever love” and, if so, why.

“I want the movie to capture this transitional moment for them as a couple – from teens to adults, from teen romance to forever love, from past to future,” they continued.

“And in doing so, get to the heart of what teenage love can become as adolescence becomes a memory, and what teenage love can mean for people in the overall picture of their lives.

“An exploration of time, memory, love, pain, the changing of the seasons, endings and beginnings, and the core element of Heartstopper: the ordinary of our everyday lives.”

To stay up to date on the final chapter of the Heartstopper series, click here.

All three seasons of Heartstopper are available to stream on Netflix.

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Joe Locke provides insight into why Heartstopper is concluding with a film https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/joe-locke-provides-insight-into-why-heartstopper-is-concluding-with-a-film/ Fri, 06 Jun 2025 05:19:08 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1436594 Joe Locke has shed some light on why Heartstopper is ending with a feature film. Back in April, Netflix announced that the beloved LGBTQIA+ series would conclude the stories of Nick (Kit…

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Joe Locke has shed some light on why Heartstopper is ending with a feature film.

Back in April, Netflix announced that the beloved LGBTQIA+ series would conclude the stories of Nick (Kit Connor), Charlie (Locke), and the rest of the gang in a movie, rather than a fourth and final season.

In a statement, Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman said: “I am completely overjoyed that we will get to tell the end of the Heartstopper story.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who has worked hard to make this possible and to the incredible fans of Heartstopper for your patience and passion. I cannot wait to bring this story to a magical conclusion.”

While fans have celebrated the announcement, some have wondered why Netflix opted for a film rather than a season four renewal.

Now, Locke has shed some light on the decision during a recent interview with The Playlist, revealing that it came down to scheduling.

“We are all in such different places. From the moment we filmed the first season, and in our careers, and everyone’s so busy, which is great. It means everyone’s being successful and doing things,” he explained.

“I think the time it would’ve taken to film a series, we just wouldn’t have been able to get everyone in the same place for five years. Then, by that time, there would be no need for it.

Netflix

“So we realized that the only way to get it made this year is if we do a film because it’s less time commitment, and well, we can still put in a lot of the same love and care into the characters, into finishing off the story.”

Towards the end of his statement, Locke described the film as a “really nice chapter closer.”

“It makes it feel more cinematic, more grand, and gives it the ending it deserves, which I am really excited to start shooting. And the script is great,” he added.

Locke’s recent interview comes a few weeks after he gushed to Gold Derby about his role as one of the film’s executive producers.

“I think that they’re going to regret giving it to me because I’m gonna have so much fun with it, but not in a bad way. I’m just really excited to learn everything I can from the experience and take it forward, you know,” he revealed.

“As an actor, you don’t really get to see much of the behind-the-scenes stuff. So it’s been, even so far, so nice getting to be in those conversations, and they’re really taking us seriously, me and Kit.”

When asked how the Warfare star is faring as a producing partner, Locke replied: “Great! Yeah, all of our notes so far have been pretty on the same page.

The official synopsis for the Heartstopper film reads: “Nick and Charlie are inseparable, but with Nick preparing to leave for university and Charlie finding new independence at school, the reality of a long-distance relationship begins to weigh on them.

“Doubts take hold, and their relationship faces its biggest challenge yet. Meanwhile, their friends are also navigating the ups and downs of love and friendship, confronting the bittersweet challenges of growing up and moving on. Can first loves really last forever?”

As of this writing, Netflix has not announced a release date for Heartstopper’s final outing.  

To stay up-to-date on all things Heartstopper: The Film, click here.

The post Joe Locke provides insight into why Heartstopper is concluding with a film appeared first on GAY TIMES.

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Heartstopper: Joe Locke dishes on co-producing the upcoming film with Kit Connor https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/heartstopper-joe-locke-dishes-on-co-producing-the-upcoming-film-with-kit-connor/ Fri, 09 May 2025 22:12:51 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1432211 Joe Locke has opened up about producing the upcoming Heartstopper film alongside co-star and friend Kit Connor. Back in April, Netflix finally announced that the stories of Nick, Charlie, and…

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Joe Locke has opened up about producing the upcoming Heartstopper film alongside co-star and friend Kit Connor.

Back in April, Netflix finally announced that the stories of Nick, Charlie, and the rest of the beloved gang will be wrapped up with a feature film rather than a fourth season.

The streamer also confirmed that Locke and Connor would be reprising their roles and working as executive producers alongside Oseman, Patrick Walters, Ian Canning, Emile Sherman and Euros Lyn.

In a recent interview with Gold Derby, the Agatha All Along star opened up about his upcoming producer responsibilities – expressing his excitement to learn the ropes.

“I think that they’re going to regret giving it to me because I’m gonna have so much fun with it, but not in a bad way. I’m just really excited to learn everything I can from the experience and take it forward, you know,” he explained.

“As an actor, you don’t really get to see much of the behind-the-scenes stuff. So it’s been, even so far, so nice getting to be in those conversations, and they’re really taking us seriously, me and Kit.”

When asked how the Warfare star is faring as a producing partner, Locke replied: “Great! Yeah, all of our notes so far have been pretty on the same page.”  

The Sweeney Todd actor isn’t the only one to gush about the Heartstopper film’s new producing dynamic.

In an April interview with Netflix’s Tudum, Oseman said they were excited to work with Locke and Connor on the “creative and logistical problems that arise throughout production”.

“I’ve always enjoyed hearing their thoughts and ideas about Heartstopper, and I’m hoping that we’ll have more of those conversations now that we’re an exec team,” Oseman continued.

“We all want to work together to make the best movie we can, and hopefully, with their insights and experience, we’re even better suited to making that possible.”

The Solitare author also discussed the goals they want to achieve with the film, telling the streamer that they want it to be “a beautiful and emotional send-off for the Heartstopper story, celebrating what Heartstopper means to people, a chance to say goodbye to our beloved characters, and many hints of what’s to come in the character’s future lives.”

“On a slightly deeper level, I think this movie will explore what makes love survive, or what elevates it, or deepens it. At 18, 17, Nick and Charlie are hurtling towards their adult lives. Many teenage relationships don’t survive that pivotal moment of change,” Oseman continued.

“Are Nick and Charlie a forever love? If they are, why? I want the movie to capture this transitional moment for them as a couple – from teens to adults, from teen romance to forever love, from past to future.”

For Heartstopper’s final outing, Still Alice and Colette filmmaker Wash Westmoreland has been tapped to direct the film.

The full cast is yet to be announced, but the following cast members are expected to reprise their fan-favourite roles: William Gao as Tao, Corinna Brown as Tara, Kizzy Edgell as Darcy, Tobie Donovan as Isaac, Jenny Walser as Tori, and Rhea Norwood as Imogen.

The official synopsis for the film reads: “Nick and Charlie are inseparable, but with Nick preparing to leave for university and Charlie finding new independence at school, the reality of a long-distance relationship begins to weigh on them.

“Doubts take hold, and their relationship faces its biggest challenge yet. Meanwhile, their friends are also navigating the ups and downs of love and friendship, confronting the bittersweet challenges of growing up and moving on. Can first loves really last forever?”

As of writing, a release date has not been confirmed. To stay up to date on all things Heartstopper: The Film, click here

The post Heartstopper: Joe Locke dishes on co-producing the upcoming film with Kit Connor appeared first on GAY TIMES.

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