Cast revealed for Netflix adaptation of ‘beloved’ gay graphic novel Heartstopper
Kit Connor and Joe Locke as Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring in Heartstopper. (Netflix)
The cast of the live-action Netflix adaptation of Heartstopper, the endearing graphic novel about a boy meeting a boy, has been revealed.
What started as a Tumblr webcomic in 2016 by writer Alice Oseman has since blossomed at a breakneck pace into a beloved series of four graphic novels – and now a television series on one of the largest streaming services.
Telling the poignant story of two teens crossing paths at a British all-boys grammar school, actors Kit Connor and Joe Locke have been cast to play Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring respectively.
The pair were plucked after an exhaustive casting search that saw some 10,000 people audition for the hotly-anticipated half-hour show produced by See-Saw Films.
We have Heartstopper casting news!! 🗣🗣🗣 https://t.co/ITCPqh0YfO
— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) April 22, 2021
Connor has already chalked up an array of acting credits, including starring in the Elton John biopic Rocketman as a young Reggie.
His biggest part to date has been in the BBC One fantasy drama His Dark Materials, where he plays Lyra’s daemon, Pantalaimon.
Now, the 17-year-old takes on the role of Nick, a good-natured, plucky and popular year 11 student who is, of course, a star rugby player.
Nick soon meets Charlie, a jumpy, openly gay over-thinker, in the halls of Truham Grammar School for Boys. He will be played by newcomer Spring.
Creator and writer Oseman is joined by Sherlock’s Euros Lyn to direct the eight-episode-long season.
Oseman said in a press release: “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.”
Lyn added that he “can’t imagine a more perfect pair than Kit and Joe to play Nick and Charlie, and bring their joyous love story to life on-screen”.
Heartstopper is currently filming in Britain and will be until the Summer.
