Joe Locke may be preparing to take on one of the most unexpected roles of his career so far.
The Heartstopper star, who became widely known for playing Charlie Spring in the hit Netflix series, is rumored to be starring in a new sci-fi horror film titled Baby.
While details about the project remain limited, early reports have sparked significant discussion online.
According to those reports, Locke would play a young male sex worker who becomes pregnant with a mysterious creature.
The concept draws on a trope often referred to as “male pregnancy,” or “mpreg,” which has been popular in certain online fan communities but rarely explored in mainstream film.
At this stage, Locke has not officially confirmed his involvement in the project.
However, he recently posted a message on social media that many fans interpreted as a reference to the film.
“That’s a wrap BABY,” he wrote, alongside an image that suggested filming had been completed.
The film is reportedly being directed by Sam Max, who is known for queer short films and is said to be making his feature debut with the project.
If confirmed, the role would mark a significant shift for Locke.
His breakthrough performance in Heartstopper centered on a tender coming-of-age story and a widely celebrated queer romance.
Since then, he has expanded his career with roles in projects such as Agatha All Along, further establishing himself as a rising figure in both mainstream and queer-focused storytelling.
A project like Baby would represent a different direction.
Rather than continuing within the tone of romantic or character-driven narratives, it would place him within a genre that combines horror, science fiction, and more experimental themes.
That shift reflects a broader trend in queer cinema, where creators and performers are increasingly exploring genres that go beyond traditional coming-out or romance stories.
At the same time, the premise itself has drawn strong reactions, with fans expressing both excitement and curiosity about how such a concept might be handled on screen.
Without official confirmation or further details, much about the film remains uncertain.
What is clear, however, is that the project has already generated attention.
For Locke, it could represent another step in a career that continues to move beyond expectations.
And for audiences, it suggests that the range of queer stories being told is continuing to expand in new and sometimes unexpected directions.
📷 IG: @joelocke03 / Netflix