After months of speculation and silence, fans of Heartstopper can finally breathe a sigh of relief. While a new season isn’t in the cards, Netflix has officially confirmed a Heartstopper movie that will serve as the heartfelt conclusion to Nick and Charlie’s beloved story.
A Movie, Not Season 4 – But for a Purpose
Instead of a fourth season, Netflix is bringing the Heartstopper journey to a close with a feature-length film. The movie will reunite Joe Locke and Kit Connor, who will reprise their roles as Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson. Both stars will also step into new roles behind the scenes as executive producers.
Acclaimed director Wash Westmoreland (Still Alice, Colette) is taking the reins for this film adaptation, while Alice Oseman, the mind behind both the graphic novels and the original series, is returning as screenwriter.
The story will be based on Volume 6, the final entry in Oseman’s Heartstopper graphic novel series, which is currently in progress. Earlier seasons of the show adapted Volumes 1 through 4, with Season 3 focusing on the events of Volume 4. Oseman has shared that she hopes to release the final book before the film’s premiere.
Netflix announced the movie on April 22, 2025, which marks three years since the show first debuted and quickly became a fan favorite.
What to Expect from the Story
The film will explore the next phase of Nick and Charlie’s relationship as they prepare for major life changes. With Nick heading off to university and Charlie continuing to grow more confident in school, the couple faces the emotional weight of a possible long-distance relationship. As their love is tested, doubts and fears begin to surface.
The movie will also delve into the lives of their close-knit group of friends, highlighting the complexities of friendship, identity, and personal growth. At its core, the film will ask: Can first love really last forever?
A New Creative Vision with Familiar Faces
Director Wash Westmoreland will step in to direct this final chapter, taking over from Euros Lyn and Andy Newbery, who helmed previous seasons. Alongside Locke, Connor, and Oseman, the executive production team includes Patrick Walters, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, and Euros Lyn.
The production company See-Saw Films, which produced the series, will also be returning. Filming is currently scheduled to begin in summer 2025.
Oseman shared her excitement about the project, stating:
“It’s an absolute joy to be able to finish the Heartstopper story in a way that feels true and meaningful. I’m beyond thankful to our amazing team and the fans who never gave up hope. I can’t wait to bring the ending to life.”
Series Finales Through Films: A Growing Trend
Although turning a TV series finale into a movie isn’t the standard route, it’s becoming more common. Netflix previously gave Sense8 a proper send-off with a movie following strong fan support, and other shows like CSI, Deadwood, and Timeless were also concluded with feature-length finales.
Despite a drop in viewership during Season 3, Heartstopper still performed well. The third season attracted 10.9 million views after its October 2024 release, marking a 30% dip from Season 2. It held a spot in Netflix’s global Top 10 for two weeks, peaking at No. 4. By contrast, Seasons 1 and 2 each spent three weeks on the chart, with Season 2 peaking at No. 2.
Even with fewer views, interest in the show remained strong. Between July and December 2024, the first two seasons brought in an impressive 8.8 million combined views, showing that Heartstopper continues to resonate with viewers.
Why a Movie is the Right Fit
The show’s critical acclaim has never wavered. Season 3 earned another perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its emotionally intelligent storytelling and focus on mental health. These themes have been a hallmark of the series and have helped it stand out in the teen drama genre.
Beyond ratings, Heartstopper has made a significant impact culturally. Its sensitive and authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ youth has been celebrated across media platforms, making it a show that’s both important and influential. This legacy no doubt influenced Netflix’s decision to greenlight the movie finale.
The Push to Finish the Story
The confirmation of the movie came after months of behind-the-scenes discussions and negotiations. In early 2025, Alice Oseman revealed that the team was actively pursuing a way to continue the story:
“We’re doing everything we can to make it happen. There’s a lot of hope behind the scenes.”
Kit Connor echoed those thoughts, saying:
“As long as the story stays true to its heart, I’m on board. We’re working on something really special.”
Producer Patrick Walters later mentioned that there were many details to work out—including contracts for Locke and Connor, who have become in-demand stars. Since Heartstopper launched their careers, both actors have landed major roles—Connor in the action film Warfare and Locke in Disney+’s Agatha All Along.
Despite their busy schedules, both actors were open to returning, similar to how the Euphoria cast reunited for a final season. Their commitment to the story and the fans helped make the film finale a reality.
In Closing
While some fans may have hoped for a full fourth season, the Heartstopper movie promises a satisfying and emotional send-off. With the original cast, creator, and production team on board, the film is shaping up to be a worthy conclusion to a series that has touched the hearts of millions.
The journey of Nick and Charlie may be ending—but their story, and Heartstopper’s message of love, acceptance, and growth, will continue to inspire for years to come.