Joe Locke’s career trajectory has been nothing short of astonishing. Just two years ago, he was a relative unknown, then suddenly, he was the heart of Netflix’s beloved series,Heartstopper, catapulted into the spotlight while still navigating his final exams.
Now, at 22, Locke is poised to shock and intrigue audiences with a role dramatically different from the endearing Charlie Spring. He’s completed filming onBaby, a sci-fi horror that promises to be unsettling, boundary-pushing, and utterly unique.
The premise alone is captivating: Locke will portray a young male sex worker who inexplicably becomes pregnant with a mysterious creature. Details remain scarce, but the project is already generating intense buzz and sparking fervent discussion online.
Locke himself playfully acknowledged the unusual storyline, responding with a simple “lol” to a headline proclaiming his role as a “pregnant sex worker.” This self-aware humor hints at his willingness to embrace the boldness of the project.
The film marks the feature directorial debut of Sam Max, known for his acclaimed queer short films. Max has shared glimpses of the film’s unsettling aesthetic on Instagram, including a disturbing image of an alien in a blood-splattered bathtub, hinting at the “body horror” elements within.
Max described the shoot as the “hardest 28 days of my life,” a testament to the film’s ambitious and challenging nature. He expressed a profound connection to the project and his team, promising a film that will stay with audiences long after the credits roll.
The announcement ofBabyquickly went viral, particularly within the queer community, where the concept of “mpreg” – male pregnancy – has a long history in fan fiction. The film is poised to bring this trope to the mainstream in a way never before seen.
Social media exploded with reactions, ranging from stunned disbelief to enthusiastic anticipation. Fans celebrated Locke’s willingness to take on such a daring role, praising his unpredictable career choices and his commitment to challenging narratives.
While Locke ventures into darker territory, hisHeartstopperco-stars are also achieving remarkable success. Kit Connor, who played Nick Nelson, has transitioned to voice acting and Broadway, recently appearing in a production ofRomeo & Julietalongside Rachel Zegler.
For fans still craving the sweetness ofHeartstopper, a final installment is on the horizon.Heartstopper Forever, a feature-length film, will conclude Nick and Charlie’s story, exploring the challenges of long distance and the uncertainties of the future.
The film, based on the sixth volume of Alice Oseman’s graphic novel series, promises to deliver a satisfying conclusion to the beloved series, even with a cast change – Anna Maxwell will now portray Nick’s mother, taking over from Olivia Colman due to scheduling conflicts.
Heartstopper Foreverarrives on Netflix on July 17th, offering a poignant contrast to the unsettling world ofBaby, showcasing the breadth of Joe Locke’s talent and his willingness to explore the full spectrum of human experience.
