One Heartstopper Star is Exiting the Show Ahead of Season 3

Season 2 of the popular Netflix series Heartstopper, released on 3 August, delivered more drama, more romance, and greater introspection on personal choices and their ramifications.

Based on the graphic novel series of the same name by Alice Oseman, who also served as the show's writer, Heartstopper indisputably stands as one of the best portrayals of LGBTQ+ teens.

Specifically, Ben Hope, the ex-boyfriend of protagonist Charlie (Joe Locke), is an incredibly complex and enigmatic character who, nevertheless, allows the show to explore the matters of unhealthy attachment and toxic relationships. But that chapter of his life has closed, as he no longer fits into the close-knit, trusting community of the main characters. As it turns out, the actor who played Ben, Sebastian Croft, will not be returning for future seasons of the series.

Throughout the first two seasons, Ben was primarily an antagonist, as his abusive attitude towards Charlie and his manipulative behaviour led not only to bullying but also to severe trauma for the main character. However, Charlie managed to partially overcome this by finding new friends and a significant other who supported him, allowing him to be himself and protecting him from homophobic bullying.

As a result, at the end of Season 2, Ben, partially aware of his wrongdoings, apologises to Charlie. But Charlie takes the healthiest step possible when exiting an abusive relationship — he does not forgive him, noting that it is not a sincere plea for forgiveness but merely an attempt at self-validation.

'[Creator] Alice [Oseman] and I both felt strongly about him not having a redemption arc,' Sebastian Croft shared during Netflix's Tudum 2023. 'It's a really beautiful way of having these two people who have been through a lot – and Ben's been horrible to Charlie – to have that conversation and explore it on a deeper level than I felt like we got to do in Season 1.'

It ended with Ben departing Truham Grammar School after being rejected by Charlie and his group.

'Ben can become a better person, but Charlie should not have to witness that, endorse it, or offer any forgiveness. And so he won't,' Alice Oseman said. According to her, Croft excellently conveyed the complexity of the character, presenting him not as a caricature but as a real person who makes mistakes. Nevertheless, one must take responsibility for one's actions, especially when such actions cause someone else's psychological trauma.

Both seasons of Heartstopper are available on Netflix. Meanwhile, Season 3 is currently in development.

Source: Netflix.