Hearstopper’s lead stars on ‘defining’ sex and exploring new grounds with Nick and Charlie
As a longtime fan of Heartstopper, I must say that reading this interview was a pure delight. The behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the show, particularly regarding the filming of intimate scenes and the cast’s humorous attempts to navigate around creaky set pieces, really brought a smile to my face.
The Rainbow Crew represents a continuous interview collection that honors top-notch LGBTQ+ portrayals in entertainment. In each episode, we feature individuals who contribute behind and in front of the camera, such as those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community and their supportive allies.
Next up, we’re talking to Heartstopper’s stars Joe Locke and Kit Connor. Spoilers follow.
Since their initial appearance as charming characters Charlie and Nick from Heartstopper in April 2022, Joe Locke and Kit Connor have kept viewers captivated.
Through the span of two dramatic series, they have significantly transformed the portrayal of same-sex romance, leading the way with their heartwarming, ecstatic retelling of Alice Oseman’s graphic novel love story about two boys meeting and falling in love.
Now that Netflix’s hit show moves into its third season, there’s a change in atmosphere which disrupts the couples from their honey moon phase, introducing real-life struggles and maturity into their relationships.
In a revealing conversation with Digital Spy, actors Connor and Locke from the show “Agatha All Along” discuss the challenging yet rewarding process of developing their characters as they navigate through complex themes such as intimacy and mental health.
Were you anxious or thrilled when we decided to change the tone for Season Three, making it more mature compared to Seasons One and Two? How did you feel about tackling this new approach?
Kit Connor: I was extremely thrilled about it, more so than anything else. It seemed like a very organic and essential development for the series. I believe it had been there in the comics all along, so it felt like a very logical advancement.
Joe Locke: Our series seems to be growing alongside its characters, as they age, it’s only fitting that the show grows with them too. It’s pleasant to grow as an actor and tackle more complex, mature storylines as well.
Hey Joe, could you share your experience with handling the significant narrative about Charlie’s deteriorating mental state? What steps did you take to ready yourself for portraying this role?
TL: It might seem unusual to describe the experience as exciting since it wasn’t a thrilling event in itself, but as an actor, it was always satisfying to deliver a performance that felt genuine and honest, which has always been my goal.
As a devoted reader, I can’t help but admire how Alice masterfully crafted this narrative. It brims with love, empathy, and an unflinching honesty that shines through every word. There’s no sugarcoating or avoidance of the story’s darker aspects, which I believe is a big part of its extraordinary success.
Via that plot, we also witness the strain on Charlie and Nick’s bond for the initial time. It was intriguing to navigate them beyond their initial infatuation and subject them to challenges.
KC: We had that fight scene that we quite enjoyed.
JL: Yeah, we did enjoy that.
KC: We were looking forward to it.
JL: Says a lot about us.
KC: The reason is, as Nick and Charlie, such an affectionate bond isn’t typically acted out. So, during our preparation, it was just me, you, and the director, and we would freely create some scenes together.
JL: Things we always really wanted to say to each other.
As a gamer, let me tell you, that game was a blast! Despite the muffled communication due to our headsets, we managed to keep things lively by sharing some rather colorful comments.
JL: Horrible.
KC: We exchanged some pretty unpleasant banter, but surprisingly, it turned out to be enjoyable. There’s always a thrill in doing something unexpected at work.
Their heartfelt declaration of love towards one another was just as memorable as the first season’s rainy kiss scene. Can you imagine what it was like to film that moment?
KC: Very cold, very cold. I had no shoes on, which was also quite cold.
You always get the rough end of it, it was the wetsuit last time, wasn’t it?
Sure thing!
JL: You choose not to take the wetsuit. That’s what happens.
This time, I wasn’t wearing a shirt. Wearing a wetsuit or shorts that are too small wasn’t an option for me. Instead, they provided some strange items to put on my feet – sticky, sandpaper-like things that made walking and running on gravel easier, but they felt odd. Despite that, the view was stunning, and the moment was truly beautiful. I believe we all enjoyed it. There’s also a scene where I have to fall over in the shower, and as it turned out, I actually did slip and fall.
Oh, bless.
Initially, they employed it, but it didn’t seem particularly impressive to me. I might have pulled off an imitation more convincingly on occasion, but I’m glad they opted for the genuine article because it felt authentic in that instant. Unfortunately, my foot slipped, and I lost balance.
As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but feel excited about the pivotal moment when Nick and Charlie shared their first intimate experience on screen this season. Leading up to the filming of that scene, I must admit, there was a whirlwind of emotions – anticipation, nervousness, and a hint of apprehension. However, once the cameras started rolling, those feelings seemed to fade away, replaced by a focused intensity. After the scene was filmed, I felt a strange mix of relief, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment. It was a significant moment for both the characters and for me as an actor, and I’m eager to see how this development unfolds in future episodes.
AL: It feels unusual, yet expected, to perform actions like that, and I guess everyone could sense it was the right moment for them to move forward. We might have continued joking about it endlessly, such as asking why they hadn’t done it sooner, but we were prepared. Our intimacy coordinator, David Thackery, played a crucial role in our preparation. It’s almost like learning a dance routine. Filming intimate scenes is inherently awkward.
KC: We had these nice, sort of, cups.
JL: Cricket cups.
KC: Cricket cups to sort of keep everything safe and I just found it really quite amusing.
JL: You just kept playing it like a drum.
In simpler terms, the actor expressed that the atmosphere felt unusual due to the artificial bedroom set they were in. He found it odd because the floorboards and bed were quite noisy, which could potentially create issues during filming of a sensitive scene like a sex scene, as sound quality is crucial for such scenes.
Put some pads down or something?
Assistant: Could you please set that aside? As for the show, we’ve been watching for three seasons now, and just recently, we reached the intimate scenes. They felt a bit awkward, didn’t they?
As a gamer, I found myself pondering a question with Charlie the other day: “Does it technically count as sex if it’s just touching?” It’s not something you usually hear discussed on TV, especially in terms of defining what sexual activity is. I wonder if this open dialogue will encourage viewers to think more deeply about consent, boundaries, and the importance of clear communication in relationships.
It seems crucial for individuals to understand that intimacy can take on any form they desire. Ultimately, it’s an idea or concept we create ourselves.
KC: I agree. I’ve got nothing to add.
Of all the shared narratives not directly tied to yours, which third season’s plot twist are you looking forward to the most among fans, and what makes it particularly intriguing?
“I believe the story between Elle and Tao is quite captivating. Their scenes are moving and skillfully acted. Yaz had a discussion with Alice about their shared experience this season, which I think adds an important layer of authenticity and rawness to it.
At the conclusion, Nick comes to a significant revelation: he can’t truly understand himself without Charlie, implying he might need to discover his identity. How could this realization affect their bond as they move into season four?
KC believes it’s incredibly beneficial. Living in this beautiful world, where it’s just you and your significant other against the challenges, is truly delightful. However, it’s crucial that the young characters on the show, not only Nick and Charlie, learn to appreciate themselves, become self-reliant, and find joy in solitude. This way, when they are with their loved ones, their happiness multiplies, but they can still cherish themselves.
JL: If you can’t love yourself, then you’re not ready to love anyone else.
Finally, what was the most meaningful storyline for you in this season three?
This season, I find Tao and Elle’s relationship to be one of the most captivating aspects. It’s truly delightful to observe. Will is simply outstanding. I believe both of them are exceptional. Will is incredibly witty, and his humor shines brightly in this season. The chemistry between them is palpable, and they deliver some heartwarming scenes flawlessly.
JL: I’d agree.
Heartstopper season 1-3 are available to stream now on Netflix.
Read more Heartstopper news on our dedicated homepage
Read More
- TOMI PREDICTION. TOMI cryptocurrency
- ETH PREDICTION. ETH cryptocurrency
- BAG PREDICTION. BAG cryptocurrency
- Louis Theroux reveals the sweet moment he fell in love with his wife Nancy Strang as he offers rare insight into their relationship
- USD BRL PREDICTION
- VET PREDICTION. VET cryptocurrency
- XNO PREDICTION. XNO cryptocurrency
- ZRX PREDICTION. ZRX cryptocurrency
- VELO PREDICTION. VELO cryptocurrency
- VTC PREDICTION. VTC cryptocurrency
2024-10-05 09:49