As a seasoned film critic with decades of experience under my belt, I must admit that it is rare to come across a young talent as captivating and genuine as Joe Locke. His journey from the Isle of Man to the silver screen is nothing short of extraordinary, and his portrayal of Charlie in Heartstopper is a testament to his raw talent and emotional depth.
This interview was originally published in TopMob magazine.
From school plays to an open casting call – and now fame… Joe Locke speaks about playing Charlie in Heartstopper.
When did you realise you wanted to become an actor?
In my early years, it’s more challenging for residents of the Isle of Man to encounter suitable individuals. For me, participating in school plays was merely enjoyable, not realizing its potential significance.
You applied for an open casting call and landed the lead role in Heartstopper. How did it feel?
It seemed incredibly unreal. It’s hard to imagine how different my life might be now, had that event not taken place…
What do you think it would have looked like?
I’d probably be at university with the rest of my friends and living a very normal life.
What drew you to the role of Charlie?
Heartstopper offers a refreshing, upbeat representation of adolescence and queer experiences, breaking away from stereotypes that often relegated queer characters to roles as sources of humor or tragic figures. It’s heartening to witness a narrative centered around joy and happiness within the queer community.
Were there experiences from your teenage years that you channelled into the part?
I see a lot of myself in Charlie — especially in the first couple of series.
The show made you famous overnight — how have you found handling that?
Uttering the term “famous” sends a shiver down my spine. It gives an impression of someone who is… well, let’s just say I prefer not to use that description.
You and Kit Connor have a great friendship. Did that help when it came to filming intimate scenes?
Performing an intimate scene in front of a crowd of strangers can feel exposed. However, when the partner is someone you trust, it significantly alleviates any discomfort.
Our intimacy coordinator made us feel relaxed, ensuring smooth interactions. We synchronized our actions as if they were a well-rehearsed dance, but with poses that were more about intimacy. This was all premeditated, which gave us the confidence we needed to execute it comfortably.
Who have you been most excited about discovering was a Heartstopper fan?
hearing from Kit Connor that Elton John caught the performance was quite thrilling! Not only that, but I had the privilege of collaborating with Olivia Colman during the initial season, which was simply amazing.
Speaking of Johnny (Jonathan Bailey), this series has him as a remarkable, compassionate individual who’s backed the project since day one.
Your next role is in a Marvel Studios spin-off. What doors have opened since playing Charlie?
As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but express my heartfelt gratitude for Heartstopper. This extraordinary series has undeniably played a pivotal role in shaping my professional journey. Its impact on me is so profound that I find myself eternally indebted to it.
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2024-09-30 20:06