Kit Connor stepped out at the 28th British Independent Film Awards at The Roundhouse on November 30 in London, and yes — he did it with a beard.
The Heartstopper star appeared alongside Warfare co-stars Will Poulter, Charles Melton, and Joseph Quinn, marking a rare reunion of the film’s stacked cast. The internet? Immediately unwell.
Garland’s military drama Warfare had a massive night, taking home four awards, including the coveted Best Ensemble Performance. Connor and his co-stars accepted the honor together, with the film also securing wins for Best Editing (Fin Oates), Best Effects, and Best Sound. A clean sweep for a brutal, character-driven drama — and a celebratory moment for a cast that has had fans obsessed since day one.
But Kit isn’t slowing down. He’s preparing for one of the most emotional releases of his career: the Heartstopper finale film, Heartstopper Forever, which will officially close out Nick and Charlie’s story. And if that wasn’t enough to send queer audiences into a full meltdown, Connor is already deep into production on his next project, A Long Winter.
The film, directed by All of Us Strangers visionary Andrew Haigh, also stars Fred Hechinger (Gladiator II) and promises another devastatingly beautiful punch to the soul. Haigh, a four-time BAFTA nominee, is known for crafting stories soaked in yearning, so prepare your tissues now.
Plot details surrounding Connor’s character are still under wraps, but Deadline reports the story centers on Louise, an alcoholic mother who disappears after a fight with her husband, Lester. As a fierce blizzard locks down the town, Lester and their sons Mike (Hechinger) and Tommy embark on a desperate search with help from neighbors and local law enforcement. It’s bleak. It’s emotional. It’s probably going to destroy me.
Could A Long Winter be the reason behind Kit’s new beard? Maybe. Maybe not. We’ll have to wait and see what Haigh has him cooking up under all that emotional snowfall. Either way, we’re grateful for the facial-hair era. Thank you, Kit Connor.
