Back in October 2024, fans returned to the extremely wholesome Heartstopper universe when its third season dropped on Netflix.
Based on the hit webcomic from Alice Oseman, the latest batch of episodes follows Charlie (Joe Locke) as he tries to “tell Nick that he loves him,” while Nick (Kit Connor) “also has something important to say to Charlie”. As per the synopsis: “As the summer holiday ends and the months race on, the friends begin to realise that the school year will come with both its joys and its challenges.”
In addition to delivering heaps of romance and a Jonathan Bailey cameo, season four explored darker and more mature storylines ranging from eating disorders, mental health and sex. Following its release, Heartstopper season three received widespread acclaim from viewers and critics, with many praising Oseman’s writing and the dynamic performances from the cast. It also earned a certified fresh 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
On 22 April, after months of silence, Netflix and Oseman finally announced that the Heartstopper gang would be returning to our screens. However, instead of a fourth season, Nick and Charlie’s love story is set to conclude in a feature film directed by Wash Westmoreland, the visionary behind Still Alice and Colette.
In light of the recent news, we’ve compiled a list of everything we know about the exciting movie below.
When will it be released?
Currently, the Netflix gods have NOT confirmed a release date for the Heartstopper movie.
However, we do know that filming for the highly anticipated project is scheduled to begin this summer.
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.”
What is the plot?
*Caution* spoilers ahead.
Since Heartstopper season three adapted volumes four and five of the hit graphic novel, the upcoming film is bringing to life volume six – which is currently being released on Webtoon, Tapas and Tumblr – and the Nick and Charlie novella.
The official synopsis for the feature 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?”
Who is returning from season three?
Netflix has confirmed the return of Kit Connor and Joe Locke as Nick and Charlie. The talented duo have also signed on to executive produce the film alongside Oseman, Patrick Walters, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Euros Lyn.
While the full cast has yet to be announced, the following cast members are expected to reprise their fan-favourite roles: Yasmin Finney as Elle, William Gao as Tao, Corinna Brown as Tara, Kizzy Edgell as Darcy and Tobie Donovan as Isaac.
More star power incoming: Jenny Walser as Tori, Cormac Hyde-Corrin as Harry, Rhea Norwood as Imogen, Fisayo Akinade as Nathan, Chetna Pandya as Coach Singh, Bradley Riches as James.
For season three, Olivia Colman was unable to reprise her role as Nick’s mother, Sarah Nelson, due to scheduling conflicts. However, in an interview with Forbes, the Fleabag star said she would be open to returning to the Heartstopper universe.
“I couldn’t do number three. I couldn’t fit it in. I feel awful about that. I feel like I was part of one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever been a part of,” she told the news outlet. “I’ll have a word. As long as it’s booked in advance, maybe I’ll be able to do it.”
Will season four be Heartstopper’s final outing?
Yes, the upcoming Heartstopper movie will be the end of Nick and Charlie’s journey, at least in TV form. In addition to the recent film announcement, Oseman seemingly confirmed this detail while speaking to Netflix’s Tudum in October 2024.
“In terms of the show, obviously, there is more story in the books that we have yet to cover, and we would love to tell the end of the story in TV form,” they explained.
“As much as I — and everyone else — want the final instalment to come to the screen as soon as possible, there are a lot of moving parts to account for that make it hard to solidify anything. But we’re doing our best, and will let fans know as soon as we can.”
This article will be updated over time.
All three seasons of Heartstopper are available to stream on Netflix.
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