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Alice Oseman Confirms 'Heartstopper Forever' Film Will Diverge from Books
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
Alice Oseman, the creator of the globally acclaimed "Heartstopper" series, announced over the weekend that the highly anticipated Heartstopper film, "Heartstopper Forever," will not strictly follow the events of the sixth and final volume of the graphic novels. Oseman made the announcement during a panel at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, addressing fan questions and offering a glimpse into the creative process behind the upcoming adaptation .
The "Heartstopper" series, which has followed the heartfelt romance between Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring, has become a staple in LGBTQ+ media representation. The graphic novels and their Netflix adaptation have been praised for their authentic portrayal of queer relationships, mental health, and coming-of-age experiences .
During her appearance at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Oseman explained that creating the sixth volume of Heartstopper posed new challenges in continuing Nick and Charlie’s story. As a result, Oseman and the production team chose to take a different narrative approach for the film adaptation, ensuring that "Heartstopper Forever" would stand as its own unique conclusion to the series .
“We’ve just finished shooting the movie, it is based on volume six,” Oseman revealed. “It’s also based on the Nick and Charlie novella.” The sixth volume is set to explore Nick and Charlie’s final year of high school, while the novella centers on Nick preparing to leave for university . By blending these two sources and introducing original material, Oseman aims to create an adaptation that resonates with longstanding fans while offering something new.
The transition from a television series to a feature film represents a significant shift for Heartstopper’s storytelling. Oseman previously addressed this change, noting that the movie format removes the episodic constraints of television—like cliffhangers and structured arcs—allowing for a more nuanced and atmospheric exploration of the characters’ journeys .
“I totally understand if fans are a little apprehensive. It’s a big change from what we know. It’s something totally new and unknown, and yes, the runtime will be less than a TV season,” Oseman stated. “But once I began to see the entire vision, I knew it would be something even more beautiful than a regular season could achieve. We are feeling very ambitious about what is possible in a movie format. With no need for end-of-episode cliff-hangers or a new twist every episode, every part of Heartstopper can be elevated to a higher quality to create something memorable, sophisticated, and atmospheric” .
The announcement has generated considerable discussion among fans and within LGBTQ+ media circles. Heartstopper has been credited with helping to normalize queer relationships in mainstream media, particularly for younger audiences. For many, the series has provided a rare and authentic depiction of LGBTQ+ youth, addressing issues such as coming out, mental health, and building supportive communities.
While some fans have expressed apprehension about the film diverging from the original books, others have welcomed the opportunity for fresh storytelling. The blend of source material and new content offers the potential to address evolving conversations within the LGBTQ+ community and to revisit familiar characters in a new light .
Oseman’s continued involvement in the adaptation process—having written all three seasons of the Netflix series and now the film—has offered reassurance that the story’s integrity and inclusive spirit will be maintained .
Filming for "Heartstopper Forever" wrapped in July 2025, and while plot details and a release date remain under wraps, anticipation is high. The film is expected to focus on Nick and Charlie’s transition from high school to university, a pivotal moment in their relationship that echoes the experiences of many LGBTQ+ young people navigating life transitions .
As the Heartstopper universe expands into new formats, Oseman’s commitment to authentic queer storytelling continues to set a benchmark within the industry. The film’s release is poised to be a landmark moment not just for fans of the series, but for LGBTQ+ media representation worldwide.
