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Hey friends, let’s gather around for some exciting tea about our favorite Heartstopper star, Joe Locke.
Recently, Joe opened up about his new role in the upcoming Marvel series Agatha All Along and let’s just say, the excitement is palpable.
In a candid chat with Rolling Stone, Joe spilled the beans about his character ‘Teen,’ a role that’s already stirring up the fandom.
For starters, the name ‘Teen’ might just be a placeholder, with fans eagerly speculating about a grand reveal.
Described in the official synopsis as “a suspicious goth,” Teen is a character who seems to be cloaked in mystery and intrigue—much like Joe’s character in Heartstopper, but with a darker twist.
Now, here’s where it gets juicy. Joe almost let slip some spoilers before quickly checking his phone—classic move to dodge the MCU spoiler police.
Once he got the green light, he shared that it’s Teen who convinces Agatha to traverse the mystical Witches’ Road, setting off a chain of magical events.
Joe describes Teen as the “familiar of the group” at the series’ start, hinting at evolving dynamics and deepening bonds as the story unfolds.
One thing Joe could confirm without a hitch is Teen’s sexuality. “He is, yes,” he said, confirming that Teen is indeed gay.
This feels like familiar territory for Joe, who previously played Charlie Spring in Heartstopper, a show that became a touchstone for positive LGBTQ+ representation.
The MCU, despite its rich tapestry of characters, has often sidestepped putting queer stories front and center.
From the fleeting references to Phastos’ family in Eternals to Loki’s brief acknowledgment of his bisexuality, queer representation in Marvel has been more of a whisper than a shout.
So, when Joe says Agatha is “definitely a very LGBTQ+ show,” it’s hard not to be cautiously optimistic.
After all, promises of representation in the MCU have sometimes fallen short in the past.
+Related: Heartstopper Kit Connor & Joe Locke: MCU Superhero Lovers?
What’s refreshing about Teen’s portrayal in Agatha is the authenticity and positivity Joe brings to the role.
Unlike Heartstopper, where Charlie’s sexuality is a significant plot point, in Agatha, Teen’s sexuality is just one facet of his character.
Joe is thrilled about this nuanced approach, saying, “The way it’s explored in the show is very truthful and very positive.”
Joe’s excitement about bringing queer characters into the MCU is palpable.
He believes in the power of positive representation to change minds and hearts.
“If you try and change someone’s opinion by telling them they’re wrong, they’re just going to double down on their opinions.
“The way to change someone’s opinion is by showing them a positive example of that,” he wisely notes.
With Teen, Joe hopes to offer such an example, subtly shifting perceptions through the magic of storytelling.
Reflecting on his journey from Heartstopper to Agatha, Joe acknowledges the weight of responsibility he felt playing Charlie Spring.
“It’s really important to push the idea that no matter who you are, or what you identify as, or your sexuality, you’re allowed happiness,” he said in an interview with Attitude back in 2022.
While he doesn’t seek the same responsibility with Teen, he’s proud of the character’s identity and how it’s embraced in the show.
Ultimately, what queer audiences crave are stories that treat LGBTQ+ characters and their narratives with the same respect and complexity as any other.
They want the joy of shows like Heartstopper alongside stories that acknowledge the community’s struggles.
Joe’s portrayal of Teen in Agatha seems to strike this balance perfectly.
As Joe puts it, the goal is for positive representation to become so normalized that it’s no longer a conversation topic.
Agatha represents a step in that direction, a move from explicitly dealing with sexuality to highlighting it in a meaningful, everyday context.
For Joe, this role is not just another gig but a step towards a future where queer characters are seamlessly woven into the fabric of all stories.
So, let’s raise a glass to Joe Locke and the magical adventures awaiting us in Agatha.
Here’s to positive representation and to the day when it’s as common as a cup of tea among friends. Cheers!
+Related: Joe Locke Says ‘Heartstopper’ Season 3 is Dark and Horny