Heartstopperhas brought Alice Oseman’s charming LGBTQ+ comic series to life as a three-season show on Netflix, and now the streamer will finish the story with a movie. Debuting in 2022, the show concerns teens Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor) as their school friendship blossoms into a romance. Noted for its twee atmosphere and multi-faceted storylines involving issues that really affect LGBTQ+ youth,Heartstopperdelivers a pleasant story without pulling too many punches. Season 3 was the most dramatic thus far, and it sets the stage for the series to grow even more going forward.

Season 3 ofHeartstopperintroduced the first bump in Charlie and Nick’s relationship, and it encompassed issues like eating disorders and intimacy struggles. This maturing of the cutesy romance series shows that it has legs to stand on, and though Oseman’s comics offer a good framework, it can also add new wrinkles as well. As was the case with previous seasons, season 3 did not offer a conclusive ending to the story, meaning demand was high for season 4. Though the series was at risk of cancellation, Netflix has now opted to conclude the story with a feature film instead.

Nick and Charlie lying down with Heartstopper leaves in the background

8 Best Animated Moments in Netflix’s Heartstopper

Netflix’s Heartstopper has many unique elements, but the collection of animated visuals used during key scenes is by far the most important.

The Heartstopper Movie Latest News

Netflix Announces Plans For A Feature Film

After months of no news regarding the show’s renewal, the latest news confirms thatHeartstopperwill instead conclude with a feature film.The upcoming film will adapt the sixth volume of Alice Oseman’s comic, which hasn’t been released yet. Volume six of the comic is also meant to end the story, so there probably won’t be too many deviations from Oseman’s original vision. Little is currently known about the movie’s production status, but withNetflixannouncing it on X (formerly Twitter), more details are likely forthcoming.

Heartstopper Season 4 Is Not Happening

Netflix Is Making A Movie Instead

Instead of a new set of episodes,Heartstopperwill instead be wrapped up in one feature-length story.

After the conclusion ofHeartstopperseason 3, it seemed as if the show was in a troubling place, and its renewal was not guaranteed. Months passed by without any news regarding season 4, and some comments from the show’s creators implied it might actually get canceled. However,Netflix announced aHeartstoppermovie in April 2025 that will not only serve as the conclusion of the series, but also replace season 4. Instead of a new set of episodes,Heartstopperwill instead be wrapped up in one feature-length story.

Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor) sitting together in Heartstopper season 3, episode 3

The Heartstopper Movie Production Status

It’s Unclear When The Movie Will Start Filming

Though Netflix announced theHeartstoppermovie in April 2025,the streamer has yet to reveal any production details. However, it’s highly likely that the movie will go into production quite soon, especially since there’s already been a long wait since the conclusion of season 3. Alice Oseman’s sixth volume of her original web-comic will serve as the basis for the movie, but it currently doesn’t have a release date.It’s unclear if Netflix will wait until the comic is available to produce the movie, or if they will want to coordinate some sort of dual release.

With all that said, it’s difficult to guess about the movie’s release, though it probably won’t be a years-long wait.The movie is likely being produced in lieu of the season for cost-cutting reasons, and lengthy delays only cost the streamer more money. It’s possible that the film could arrive in 2026, but it will all depend on when production actually begins.

Charlie (Joe Locke) looks down at a plate of food in Heartstopper season 3

The Heartstopper Movie Cast Details

Expect The Show’s Main Cast To Return

The ensemble cast ofHeartstopperhas been the show’s strongest asset thus far, and it becomes even more important as the characters grow and change over time. With that in mind,TheHeartstoppermovie will need to see the return of Charlie (played by Joe Locke) and Nick (played by Kit Connor)since their romantic storyline is the heart of the series. Nick and Charlie’s friend group is also a massive part of the series, and a full-scale return of the ensemble is needed to carry on each individual storyline to their natural conclusions in the film.

What’s less certain is the return of the adult characters from season 3, and their place in the story is much more malleable. Hayley Atwell stepped in during season 3 to play Nick’s aunt, Diane, but it’s unclear if she’ll return. She was ostensibly a replacement for Olivia Colman, who had to step away from her role as Nick’s mom because of scheduling issues. Eddie Marsan was tapped to play the role of Charlie’s psychiatrist, Geoff, and it’s unclear if he’ll return. The same goes for Jonathan Bailey as Jack Maddox.

Tori (Jenny Walser), Charlie (Joe Locke) and Oliver play Mario Kart together on Christmas in Heartstopper season 3

Geoff

The Heartstopper Movie Story Details

With that hurdle seemingly cleared, the duo will face an even more daunting challenge with college looming.

Heartstopperseason 3 showed the most growth the series has featured thus far, and that maturing is expected to continue into the movie. Throughout the season,Charlie struggled with his eating disorder, and it put a serious strain on his relationship with Nick, as the latter didn’t know how to handle the very heavy issue. Fortunately, Charlie was able to seek help for his condition, and began the long road to recovery with love and support from Nick. With that hurdle seemingly cleared, the duo will face an even more daunting challenge with college looming.

Joe Locke as Charlie Spring in Heartstopper

Nick and several other students traveled across the country to tour colleges, and he took a particular liking to Leeds. This choice would take him hours away from Charlie, which would offer a myriad of long-distance relationship challenges.This decision will likely loom large over the movie, with Nick needing to make serious adult choices for his future. As the characters continue to grow up, theHeartstoppermovie has a lot of fascinating threads to weave into its story. There will also need to be a sense of finality, since the film is going to end the entire series.

Heartstopper

Cast

Heartstopper is an LGBTQ+ coming-of-age teen romantic comedy based on the webcomic/graphic novel created by Alice Oseman. The show is viewed through the eyes of a young gay British teen named Charlie Spring, whose crush on a classmate grows into something more meaningful as they slowly get closer throughout the series. The show navigates the challenges of LGBTQ+ youth during tumultuous adolescent years.

nick nelson with pink background in hearstopper

Tao in Heartstopper

An image of Elle smiling at her art exhibit in Heartstopper season 2

Isaac on prom night in Heartstopper season 2

Tori looking serious in Heartstopper.