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There’s a major shake up in the Heartstopper Forever cast.
The final installment of the popular young adult story is now available to stream on Netflix. Although the film intends to provide a satisfying conclusion to your favorite characters, fans have noticed not every actor has returned for the film, which will act as the finale of this beloved Netflix original series.
While Kit Connor and Joe Locke are still leading the ensemble, one major supporting character appears to have been recast. Brace yourself Heartstopper fans: Academy Award-winning actress Olivia Colman, who previously played the role Nick’s mother, Sarah Nelson, does not return for the film.
The news might feel devastating, especially after Colman was such a stand-out in the series and arguably had one of the most emotional scene in the entire show. In an interview with Variety, Colman revealed the decision to join the series was easy, “I said yes before I had read it and when I read it, I went, ‘Oh, it’s really important. If any of my children experienced that, I’d want them to know that the world can be beautiful and accepting and loving.'”
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But, there is light at the end of the tunnel for audiences saddened by this news. The role of Nick’s mother has been recast for the film, so her relationship with her son featured prominently in the books will be explored. So, who is going to be playing Nick’s mother in Heartstopper Forever?
Is Olivia Colman in Heartstopper Forever?
You might still be in denial, but Olivia Colman will not be returning to the concluding film.
Fans of the series may not be so surprised since Colman hasn’t made an appearance on the series since season 2. As for why Colman wasn’t able to return for the film, the actress was busy filming other projects. She is the Olivia Colman after all. Heartstopper Forever was filmed last summer, in June and July 2025. During that time, Colman was likely filming Hungary for her upcoming romantic fantasy, Wicker.
In an interview with Tudum, Alice Oseman, author of the Heartstopper graphic novel and writer of the film, revealed the news that Coleman wouldn’t be returning, “Sadly, Olivia Colman was not able to join us for the film, so we made the very difficult decision to recast the role, rather than exclude the character. We are deeply grateful for Olivia’s beautiful performance as Sarah in Seasons 1 and 2 of Heartstopper, through such iconic moments as Nick coming out as bisexual, and we know that her performance will live on in the hearts of every Heartstopper fan.”
Who plays Nick’s mom in Heartstopper Forever?
Fans shouldn’t be too upset over the recast, especially since Colman will be replaced by the talented Anna Maxwell Martin.
During Oseman’s conversation about the film with Tudum, she discussed the recast, “We are overjoyed to welcome the incredible Anna Maxwell Martin into the role of Sarah for Heartstopper Forever. Anna perfectly embodies Sarah’s gentle, down-to-earth energy, and it was magical to witness her scenes with Kit Connor during the film shoot. I can’t wait for Heartstopper fans to experience her interpretation of Sarah Nelson.”
If you’re not familiar with Martin’s work, she has previously starred in films Philomena and Becoming Jane. She has also had prominent roles in TV shows like Motherland and Ludwig. It’s safe to say, Sarah Nelson is in great hands!
