Heartstopper Star Linked to Bizarre Body Horror Film Project

Out Magazine and Instinct Magazine have confirmed that Joe Locke, best known for his role as Charlie Spring in the Netflix series Heartstopper, is set to star in Baby, a body horror film with a provocative premise. The project marks a bold departure for the actor, who has become a Gen Z icon for his portrayal of a queer teen navigating love and identity. Baby is described as a genre-blending drama that explores themes of male pregnancy, body horror, and queer survival in a rural setting.

From Heartstopper to Body Horror: Locke’s Career Pivot

Joe Locke, 22, rose to international fame after Heartstopper premiered on Netflix in 2022. The series, based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novels, follows the romantic relationship between Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson, resonating deeply with LGBTQ+ audiences for its tender and authentic representation of queer youth. Locke’s performance earned him widespread acclaim, including a Children’s and Family Emmy nomination in 2023. His subsequent roles, including a guest appearance in Marvel’s Agatha All Along (2025), have reinforced his status as a rising star in queer storytelling.

However, Baby represents a radical shift in tone and subject matter. According to reports, the film centers on a rookie male sex worker in a rural town who becomes pregnant with a mysterious creature after an encounter with a client. The premise blends elements of sci-fi, psychological drama, and visceral body horror, drawing comparisons to cult classics like Alien (1979) and Society (1989). For Locke, the role is an opportunity to showcase his range beyond the wholesome, romanticized queer narratives that have defined his career thus far.

The Plot: A Queer Cult Classic in the Making?

The details of Baby’s plot have been shrouded in mystery, but recent updates from the film’s production offer tantalizing clues. Director Sam Max, making his feature directorial debut, shared behind-the-scenes content on Instagram Stories after filming wrapped on April 27, 2026. The imagery reportedly included graphic visuals of blood-splattered walls and a bathtub containing an unidentified, fetus-like creature. While the exact significance of these props remains unclear, they align with the film’s body horror themes and suggest a narrative that is equal parts grotesque and emotionally charged.

The film’s logline—described by Instinct Magazine as a story about a male sex worker carrying a “monster baby”—has sparked widespread intrigue, particularly within queer and horror fandoms. The concept of male pregnancy, often abbreviated as “mpreg” in fan fiction, is a trope rarely explored in mainstream cinema. Baby appears to subvert the romanticized versions of the trope found in online communities, instead leaning into the unsettling and surreal. This approach has led some observers to speculate that the film could become a queer cult favorite, much like Jennifer’s Body (2009) or Titus (1999).

Locke himself fueled speculation about the project in early 2026 with a cryptic Instagram post. On January 15, he shared a photo of a large bouquet of flowers with the caption, “That’s a wrap BABY,” followed by an alien emoji. Fans quickly interpreted the post as a nod to the film’s rumors, though neither Locke nor the production team has confirmed this connection. The post’s ambiguity only heightened anticipation for the project’s official announcement.

Director Sam Max and the Film’s Vision

Baby is the first feature film from director Sam Max, whose previous work includes short films and music videos. Max’s creative vision for the project appears to embrace a mix of camp, emotional depth, and unapologetic weirdness—a combination that has resonated with queer audiences in the past. In interviews cited by The Fight Mag, Max has described the film as a “queer survival story” that explores themes of isolation, bodily autonomy, and the grotesque beauty of transformation. While the director has not provided a full synopsis, the behind-the-scenes imagery suggests a film that will push boundaries in both its visuals and its narrative.

The choice to set the story in a rural town adds another layer of complexity. Rural queer narratives are often overlooked in mainstream media, which tends to focus on urban LGBTQ+ experiences. Baby’s rural setting could provide a fresh perspective on queer survival, particularly in spaces where isolation and secrecy are heightened. The film’s blend of horror and drama may also serve as a metaphor for the physical and emotional transformations that queer individuals often undergo in hostile or unwelcoming environments.

Industry and Audience Reactions

The announcement of Baby has generated significant buzz within the entertainment industry and among Locke’s fanbase. Many have praised the actor for taking on a role that challenges both his artistic range and audience expectations. Heartstopper fans, in particular, have expressed excitement about seeing Locke in a project that diverges so dramatically from the series’ tone. Some have even drawn parallels between Baby and the darker, more experimental storytelling found in queer horror and sci-fi literature.

Industry analysts have also noted the timing of the film’s production. The horror genre has seen a resurgence in recent years, with films like Talk to Me (2022) and Smile (2022) achieving both critical and commercial success. Queer horror has gained traction as a subgenre, with films like They/Them (2022) and Knife + Heart (2018) exploring LGBTQ+ themes through a horror lens. Baby’s premise positions it at the intersection of these trends, potentially appealing to audiences seeking fresh and provocative storytelling.

However, the film’s graphic content and unconventional premise have also sparked debate. Some critics have questioned whether the project risks sensationalizing queer trauma or relying on shock value. Others argue that Baby’s embrace of body horror could serve as a powerful metaphor for the queer experience, particularly in a cultural moment where bodily autonomy is increasingly politicized. The film’s reception will likely hinge on its ability to balance its visceral elements with emotional depth and narrative coherence.

What’s Next for Baby?

As of April 2026, Baby has completed principal photography, but no official release date or distribution plan has been announced. The film’s production team has remained tight-lipped about post-production details, including whether the project will secure a theatrical release or debut on a streaming platform. Given Locke’s association with Netflix through Heartstopper, some industry insiders have speculated that the streaming giant could be a potential home for the film. However, no formal negotiations have been confirmed.

The film’s marketing strategy will also be closely watched. Horror films often rely on word-of-mouth buzz and viral marketing campaigns, and Baby’s provocative premise could lend itself well to this approach. Teaser trailers, cryptic social media posts, and festival screenings could all play a role in building anticipation ahead of the film’s release. If the project premieres at a major film festival, such as Sundance or Toronto International Film Festival, it could generate early critical buzz and attract distributors.

For Joe Locke, Baby represents a pivotal moment in his career. The role offers him an opportunity to step outside the confines of his Heartstopper persona and explore the darker, more complex facets of queer storytelling. Whether the film achieves cult status or sparks broader conversations about representation in horror, We see poised to leave a lasting impression on both Locke’s career and the genre itself.

Conclusion: A Bold Step Forward

Baby is more than just a horror film—it is a statement. By centering a queer narrative in a genre often dominated by heteronormative tropes, the project challenges audiences to rethink what horror can be. For Joe Locke, the role is a testament to his willingness to take creative risks and push the boundaries of his craft. As the film moves toward its release, it will undoubtedly spark conversations about representation, genre, and the evolving landscape of queer cinema.

Whether Baby becomes a critical darling, a box office success, or a cult favorite remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Joe Locke is not afraid to venture into uncharted territory, and his fans are eager to follow.