Netflix has teased the hotly anticipated return of its smash-hit coming-of-age drama, Heartstopper, with a first look at its upcoming feature film.
The movie, titled Heartstopper Forever, is set to arrive on Netflix on 17 July. Based on Alice Oseman's beloved graphic novels, the film will mark the official conclusion of Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie's (Joe Locke) journey through adolescence and young love.
© NetflixThe series, which received rave reviews from TV critics and was hailed as "phenomenal" by viewers, first premiered in 2022 and ran for three series.
Picking up right where season three left off, the new photos give fans a sneak peek at what's in store for the inseparable pair. From dancing together at a party to sharing loving glances in the school hallway, Nick and Charlie are clearly making the most of every moment before Nick heads off to university.
Find out what to expect from the finale movie below…
Fan reactions to the first look
The first look images sparked a huge response from fans, who shared their excitement on social media.
© NetflixCommenting on Netflix's official Instagram post, one person penned: "OMGGG MORE PLEASEEEE," while another added: "Why yes, we’ve actually been desperate for some Heartstopper content! Thank youuuuuu!!!"
What is Heartstopper Forever about?
The film follows on from the season three finale, which saw Nick, Charlie and many of their friends continue to reach new levels of their relationships.
It explores how inevitable milestones affect the characters and asks if first loves really can last forever.
© NetflixThe official synopsis 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?"
What is in store for Nick and Charlie?
Teasing what's ahead for Nick and Charlie, creator, executive producer, and graphic novelist Alice Oseman told Tudum that "the most pressing issue" is that "Nick will soon be leaving for university, effectively making Nick and Charlie a long-distance couple."
© Netflix"For a teenage relationship, this is a pretty huge hurdle to overcome," explained Alice. "Each of them has some conflicting feelings about this development. Nick isn’t sure who he is without Charlie, and Charlie is nervous about being left behind. They have some work to do — both on their relationship and individually."
Who stars in Heartstopper Forever?
Joe Locke and Kit Connor lead the cast as Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson.
They're joined by Yasmin Finney as Elle Argent, Will Gao as Tao Xu, Corinna Brown as Tara Jones, Kizzy Edgell as Darcy Olsson, Tobie Donovan as Isaac Henderson, Rhea Norwood as Imogen Heaney, Jenny Walser as Tori Spring, Fisayo Akinade as Mr. Ajayi, Nima Taleghani as Mr. Farouk, Leila Khan as Sahar Zahid, Bradley Riches as James McEwan, Darragh Hand as Michael Holden and Eddie Marsan as Geoff Young
© Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for BFIAnna Maxwell Martin and Derek Jacobi have also joined the cast.
When will the film be released?
Heartstopper Forever debuts on Netflix on 17 July.
