Heartstopper: Kit Connor and Joe Locke to star in Netflix adaption of gay graphic novel
The eight-part TV adaptation of the beloved high school romance is currently filming in the UK.
By Will Stroude
Words: Will Stroude
Netflix have announced the two young stars who’ll lead its upcoming TV adaptation of beloved gay graphic novel series Heartstopper.
After a casting process which saw more than 10,000 people audition, Kit Connor and Joe Locke will star as two high school students whose friendship begins to blossom into something more.
Kit Connor (left) and Joe Locke will star in the Netflix adaptation of ‘Heartstopper’
17-year-old Connor, who appeared as a young Elton John in the Oscar-winning Rocketman and voices Pantalaimon in the BBC’s His Dark Materials, will play Nick Nelson, a popular year 11 student with a gentle demeanour.
TV newcomer Locke will play Charlie Spring, a highly strung, out gay over-thinker in the year below.
Based on Alice Oseman’s young adult graphic novel series, which began in 2016 as a web-comic, the Netflix adaptation of Heartstopper will consist of eight 30-minute episodes and is currently filming in the UK.
An official synopsis reads: “Heartstopper is the story of Charlie and Nick who meet at an all-boys school, become friends, and quickly discover a romance is blossoming between them. Over the series Charlie and Nick fall head over heels for each other.
“Along the way they realise there is a strong community of allies and friends around them, helping them to access their authentic selves, but also teaching them there is no ‘right way’ to come out.”
Creator and Writer Alice Oseman said: “Nick and Charlie have existed as characters for almost a decade, and are two of my most beloved characters, so I was slightly apprehensive about the casting search, but I am so happy and excited that we’ve cast Kit and Joe.
“They’re both so talented, sweet, funny, and smart, and so perfect. It has been such fun getting to know them and welcoming them into the Heartstopper universe, and I can’t wait to see them bring the characters to life on screen.”
Heartstopper is currently filming in the UK until summer 2021.