British star Joe Locke is emerging as one of the most dynamic young actors of his generation. Known for his role as Charlie Spring in Netflix's hit series "Heartstopper," Locke is now taking on an entirely new kind of character in Marvel's upcoming series "Agatha All Along."
With his 21st birthday just around the corner, Locke shared details in an interview with the Latin Times, about his journey, his role in the highly anticipated show, and what it means to be a queer icon in today's world.
Locke is quick to deflect attention from himself, admitting that birthdays aren't his thing. "I actually, for an actor, I really hate the attention being on me," he said, laughing as he discussed his low-key birthday plans. "People know now not to make a big deal because I will just get up and leave mid-meal." He did it to his dad once, so it's not empty threats, he really doesn't like it!
Despite his aversion to personal fanfare, Locke is well aware of the attention his roles have garnered—especially from LGBTQ+ fans who see him as a symbol of hope and representation. In "Heartstopper," Locke's portrayal of Charlie, a high schooler navigating the ups and downs of coming out, has resonated deeply with queer youth. His character of Teen in "Agatha All Along" is also part of the community.
When asked about the weight of such responsibility, Locke said, "I've been able to play two really great queer characters, but I haven't felt the pressure some might expect. I think it's a great thing that I can enjoy the experience without the weight of responsibility."
From 'Heartstopper' to Marvel Magic
Locke's move from "Heartstopper" to the world of Marvel marks a major shift in his career. In "Agatha All Along," his character remained shrouded in mystery during most of the press tour. Now that the first episodes are out, Locke revealed that there's much more to him than meets the eye. "Teen has a spell on him," Locke shared, finally able to tease details about his role. "He can't say his real name or reveal anything about himself to anyone. It definitely adds to the mystery, and there's a lot to uncover as the series progresses."
The mystery surrounding Locke's character has sparked major fan speculation online, with Marvel enthusiasts combing through trailers for clues. For Locke, playing a character under a spell has been a unique challenge—one that allows him to explore new facets of his acting abilities. "I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of such an iconic universe," he said, noting that his career so far has been a mix of "hard work and being in the right place at the right time."
'Heartstopper' Season 3 and Beyond
As 'Heartstopper' gears up for its third season, fans are eager to see where Charlie and Nick's relationship will head next. Locke couldn't reveal too much but shared that season three will dive deeper into Charlie's personal growth. "Charlie is growing up, and you'll see him navigate more complex challenges," Locke hinted. "It's been amazing to continue portraying this character, especially because of how important the show is to so many people."
Locke is acutely aware of the power of representation, having grown up in a generation that had increasing visibility of queer characters on screen. "I come from a generation where there was already some good queer representation, but now, there's so much more," he reflected. For Locke, queer icons like Neil Patrick Harris were early examples of how being openly gay in Hollywood could coexist with a thriving career.
Keeping Grounded Amid the Fame
Despite his rapid rise to fame, Locke remains remarkably grounded. "My family and friends keep me sane," he said. "They make sure I remember who I am, even when things get overwhelming." Locke even shared a humorous anecdote from his pre-legal days: "When I was 18, I once told a bartender to Google me so I could get a drink because Google said I was 18," he laughed. "I never did that again, though, because my friends absolutely roasted me."
As Joe Locke approaches his 21st birthday, he continues to balance his skyrocketing career with the same down-to-earth perspective he's always had. With 'Heartstopper' season three and 'Agatha All Along' on the horizon, Locke is just getting started—and if his track record is any indication, he's about to make even bigger waves in Hollywood.
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