Heartstopper, the much-loved Netflix adaptation of Alice Oseman’s graphic novel series, is to conclude with a feature film directed by Wash Westmoreland, whose previous credits include Still Alice and Colette.
Following three series of the adventures of Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie (Joe Locke) and their assorted schoolfriends, a film will wrap up their story, based on Oseman’s as-yet-unpublished sixth book.
Connor, who is currently starring on Broadway in Romeo and Juliet, as well as in Alex Garland’s Warfare, will executive produce, as will Locke, most recently seen in Agatha All Along.
Filming will take place this summer; a release date has yet to be confirmed, likewise the involvement of supporting actors such as Olivia Colman, who plays Nick’s mother in the series.
“I am completely overjoyed that we will get to tell the end of the Heartstopper story,” said Oseman in a statement. “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.”
The most recent season broadcast in 2024 and ended with the main characters having sex for the first time. A synopsis for the film suggests that the couple are concerned about whether they can sustain a long-distance relationship once Nick goes to university.
Since its debut three years ago, Heartstopper has won considerable acclaim for its sensitive, light touch and teenage-friendly depiction of LGBTQ relationships. The first season was a runaway hit, appearing in Netflix’s Top 10 chart within two days of launch.
Although unusual, the conclusion of a long-running series as a feature film is not unprecedented. In 2017, Netflix wrapped up the Wachowskis’ sci-fi drama Sense8 with a film, after cancelling the show after its second season cliffhanger, to the annoyance of fans.
Timeless, CSI and Deadwood also finished as films, while Steven Knight’s Peaky Blinders movie is due on Netflix later this year. HBO pioneered the format with two Sex and the City movies purporting to bring the long-running series to an end after six seasons.
But after a hiatus of 11 years, the majority of original characters returned for a spin-off show, And Just Like That.
