Joe Locke Shines in New Thriller and West End Debut
Manx-born actor Joe Locke is stepping into yet another major role, and his rise in the entertainment world shows no signs of slowing down. At just 21, the Heartstopper star has already been celebrated for his emotional performances on both television and stage, and now he’s adding a psychological thriller to his growing portfolio.
The new film is titled Black Church Bay , directed by Welsh filmmaker Rhys Marc Jones. Filming is already underway in Anglesey, North Wales, and Locke has taken on the role of Jasper, a teenager whose story quickly turns dark and intense. The plot follows Jasper and Barry, a middle-aged man, as they set off on a secretive weekend away. What begins as a hidden escape soon spirals into psychological tension. Jasper begins to push Barry with veiled threats about exposing their relationship, and the situation becomes unbearable. Then tragedy strikes—Jasper drowns, and Barry is left with a devastating dilemma: should he protect the truth of what really happened, or face ruin by coming clean?
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This project marks a very different tone for Locke, who became a household name through Netflix’s Heartstopper . The lighthearted but emotional LGBTQ+ coming-of-age series catapulted him to global recognition, and he later went on to join Marvel’s Agatha All Along , starring alongside Kathryn Hahn and Aubrey Plaza. His portrayal of Billy/Wiccan in the Marvel universe even earned him nominations at the Independent Spirit Awards and the Saturn Awards—an impressive feat for someone still at the beginning of their career.
But 2025 is proving to be an especially busy and transformative year for Locke. Alongside filming Black Church Bay , he is preparing to make his West End debut in Clarkston , a play about two young men from vastly different backgrounds who meet while working at Costco in Washington state. Locke plays Jake, a young gay man who is grappling not only with identity and belonging but also with Huntington’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder. Speaking about the role, Locke described Jake as layered, flawed, and deeply human—qualities that make the character both challenging and rewarding to portray.
In addition to these projects, Locke is also set to executive produce Heartstopper Forever , the feature-length conclusion to the Netflix series that launched his career. Teaming up with his co-star Kit Connor, Locke is stepping into new creative territory behind the camera while still holding onto the role that first introduced him to millions.
For a young actor from Douglas, Isle of Man, the pace and variety of these opportunities reflect both his undeniable talent and the trust that directors and producers are placing in him. From heartfelt teen drama to supernatural Marvel adventures, and now into the darker shades of psychological thrillers and the demanding intimacy of stage plays, Joe Locke is proving he’s not just a rising star—he’s a versatile force to be reckoned with.
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