Kit Connor and Joe Locke Face Relationship Problems in First Trailer for “Heartstopper Forever”

Lily BrownTue, June 16, 2026 at 4:15 PM UTC

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Heartstopper Forever marks the final chapter of the Netflix series and premieres globally on July 17

Stars Kit Connor and Joe Locke serve as executive producers for the first time, helping guide the story's conclusion

Creator Alice Oseman describes the film as a celebration and emotional farewell exploring the nature of lasting love

Kit Connor and Joe Locke are back as Nick and Charlie in the first trailer for Heartstopper Forever, the feature-length finale of the beloved coming-of-age romance.

The film, which was announced on the third anniversary of Heartstopper's April 22, 2022, debut, serves as the final chapter of the Netflix series and premieres globally on July 17.

Released on June 16, the trailer reunites Connor, 22, and Locke, 22, one last time, teasing an emotional goodbye as Nick and Charlie face a major turning point in their relationship.

Kit Connor and Joe Locke in 'Heartstopper Forever'Credit: netflix

"Everyone thinks teenage relationships don't last," Charlie says in the trailer. "Guess I'm an optimist then."

The trailer then shows Nick struggling to figure out what he wants for his future while Charlie appears to thrive at school. At one point, Nick tells Charlie he's "only happy" when he's with Charlie, as the latter replies, "I don't think that's how it should be."

"I need you to be okay without me," Charlie tells Nick.

The story picks up after season 3's finale, with Nick preparing for university and Charlie taking on new responsibilities at school. While their relationship was stronger than ever, the distance and the uncertainty of adulthood loomed large.

Returning cast members include William Gao, Yasmin Finney, Corinna Brown, Kizzy Edgell, Tobie Donovan, Jenny Walser, Rhea Norwood, Leila Khan and Bradley Riches. Like in season 3, Olivia Colman will not return for the film, and her role has been recast.

The movie is written by Heartstopper creator, executive producer and graphic novelist Alice Oseman. Connor and Locke also take on executive producer duties for the first time, helping guide the final chapter of the story they have brought to life since 2022.

Connor told Tudum the experience was "bittersweet."

"These characters have meant a lot to us over the years," he said. "As EPs, it feels like we can really say goodbye to them in a way that feels the most right. It is bittersweet, but it is also a really nice way of ending it."

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Locke shared similar feelings about saying goodbye to the series.

"This show has meant so much to me in my life," he said. "I'll always carry that with me."

Kit Connor and Joe Locke in 'Heartstopper Forever'Credit: netflix

For Oseman, the film is intended to be both a celebration and a farewell.

"I want the movie to be a beautiful and emotional send-off for the Heartstopper story — celebrating what Heartstopper means to people, while offering a chance to say goodbye to our beloved characters, and many hints of what's to come in the characters' future lives," she said in an interview with Tudum.

The writer added that the story will dig deeper into the nature of lasting love as Nick and Charlie approach adulthood.

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

Before the film arrives, fans will get one final return to the page with Heartstopper Volume 6, which releases July 2. In February, Oseman unveiled the book's cover on Instagram alongside a teaser of the story ahead.

"Everyone in school knows Nick and Charlie. Everyone knows they're going to be together forever," the caption reads. "But Charlie's busy with his bid to become head boy. And while Nick is preparing to leave for uni, he's starting to wonder who he'll be ... without Charlie."

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Heartstopper Forever premieres July 17 on Netflix.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”