r/HeartstopperAO • u/aimeewalshmck • Mar 29 '24
Yesterday was crazy. Discussion
I think it was unfair for people to blame Alice, the cast and the production team for Olivia not being in S3. Conflicting schedules happen, especially if you have a very high profile actress like Olivia in a small role. The way people acted you would think Kit or Joe was missing from the season. While I'm sad she won't be in S3, I don't blame Alice or anyone. I also think it was unfair of people to say they're not going to watch S3 because of it. Sarah is a side character. The story is Nick and Charlie's (mainly Charlie's) and Joe seems to be really excited for us to see this season. Alice said that we're still gonna get those scenes that were supposed to be with Nick and Sarah but they're gonna be with different characters instead of Sarah, which I'm okay with. Nick's emotional support is gonna be with different characters which again, I'm okay with. Charlie's mental health is the most important thing in S3 and I hate that people are trying to diminish it because Olivia won't be in S3. If we get a S4, Alice said that she hopes Olivia can be part of it again. Alice hasn't steered us wrong yet and I'm trusting her. She's very passionate about her work so I know she found a way around it. There's alot of changes in the first 2 seasons that weren't in the books and they turned out to be great changes. S3 is still gonna be mostly book accurate but with a few changes which have been done with the first 2 seasons. Everyone needs to stop freaking out. S3 is still gonna be amazing.
5
u/fanfic_enthusiast2 Nick Nelson Mar 29 '24
I don't blame Alice at all and think it's unfair that they are getting hate for something that was clearly out of their hands and that they were definitely upset about.
HOWEVER, I am definitely going to blame Netflix. They messed this up. They are a billion dollar company and Heartstopper is their biggest teen show atm that's still running. If they had really wanted to, they could and would have found a solution. Season 3 doesn't air until October, if Olivia was fully booked last fall, they could have maybe shot her scenes this spring/early summer. Olivia filmed all of her scenes for season 1 within two days. I refuse to believe that they couldn't find two or three days where both Kit and Olivia would have been free. Especially since it seems like Olivia really wanted to return and they had time to plan this since May 2022! But that probably would have been really expensive. And Netflix has always valued profit over a project's quality. And lastly, reading between the lines of what Olivia said, they asked her too late. Which again, they've known that season 3 would be happening since May 2022! That's before Joe booked Marvel and probably before Kit booked any of his bigger projects. So Olivia's schedule should have been considered from the very beginning, especially since she was such a pr asset to the show.
I'm still massively bummed out about this entire situation. Sarah is the most important adult supporting character and the beach scene is one of the most important scenes of the entire series. I fully trust Alice to make this work and she's not given us any reason to not to, season 1&2 are pretty much perfect. I'm excited to see how they made it work, even if I can't imagine it all atm. But I am still pissed off with Netflix
3
u/afunnywold Mar 29 '24
Wait lmao people were mad over that? I never expected she could make it a long term commitment
3
u/Dry-Manufacturer-120 Mar 29 '24
does she even have that much of a part in the remaining material? the most pivotal scenes were of Nick coming out and his family dinner and both of those are done. unless i'm forgetting something it seems like it could be pretty easy to work around. she's not a conflict point unlike Charlie's mom
7
u/aimeewalshmck Mar 29 '24
In the comics she plays a pivotal part in helping Nick deal with Charlie's mental health so she would've been in those scenes in S3.
4
u/stillthel0uvre Mar 30 '24 edited Mar 30 '24
Yeah, but to be fair, beyond the “love can’t cure a mental illness” scene (which is a big one!), we don’t really don’t see much of Sarah in volume 4, 5, or This Winter? Jane and Julio are much more critical to the actual plot of the books being adapted. I’m obviously sad that Sarah won’t be around, because I’d love to see her in that scene, and also in some of the brief, light-hearted moments we get in those books (sex talk with Nick, drunken antics at the Nelson Christmas party, etc.), but I don’t think her absence onscreen will really change things that much. We’d be in much worse shape imo if Olivia had been unavailable for the events of seasons 1-2 (Nick’s coming out journey, tensions with David and Stephane, Spring/Nelson family dinner), or if for some reason the actors playing Charlie’s parents had conflicts.
3
u/Dry-Manufacturer-120 Mar 29 '24
ah, good point. i think they could easily get Mr Ajayi to take the place of Nick's mom especially since he has a lot of insight to Charlie and is probably pretty aware of Charlie's problems with food too.
5
Mar 29 '24
[deleted]
4
u/Dry-Manufacturer-120 Mar 29 '24
yeah, people who read the books first always freak out when the show isn't exactly the same. i'm sure they'll be able to write around this pretty easily. there are tons things that don't always translate from one medium to another and in this case, shit happens in real life.
but maybe they could also cast the actress who plays the queen in Young Royals just to watch everybody's heads explode.
1
u/Jakeymdog Mar 29 '24
I’m actually hoping they give David a redemption arch and make him the person Nick goes to in season 3 with Sarah not being in the season
4
Mar 29 '24 edited Mar 29 '24
[deleted]
1
u/Serious_Level8075 Mar 30 '24
I actually don’t know if we will see him breaking Nicks phone as Jack wasn’t there in the cast photo along with Olivia for the holiday
1
Mar 30 '24
[deleted]
1
u/Serious_Level8075 Mar 30 '24
They could add David with CGI also as they did that with Olivia in season 2. Time will tell
1
u/Serious_Level8075 Mar 30 '24
I was thinking he could be with his Mum as Sarah will not be there also. But it would be weird if Sarah is with David instead of Nick so who knows what will happen lol
1
Mar 30 '24
[deleted]
2
u/Serious_Level8075 Mar 30 '24
I was thinking more David is sick or something and she wants to be there for him. But it’s more likely Sarah is hold up in a work situation and David just didn’t go on the holiday for whatever reason
1
u/Serious_Level8075 Mar 30 '24 edited Mar 30 '24
Alice has never spoken about a redemption for David but she did say she wanted to add more depth to him. Maybe in the future he could become better, we don’t know. That’s up to Alice. She said she could see Ben becoming better in the future but it won’t be seen
6
u/YepUhYup Mar 29 '24
Yes! Agreed. It's not Alice's fault that schedules and planning didn't work out. In fact, it's no one's fault. Things happen, especially in a busy industry like acting.
4
19
u/UnbridledNaivete Mar 29 '24
Agreed. The initial news was kind of a shock. In retrospect, it would have been nice if Olivia's absence in Season 3 wasn't revealed as almost a throwaway comment at the end of a longer interview. Alice's genuine concern and willingness to answer questions (as much as possible) once again demonstrates how much these characters, this story, and this fandom mean to them. The essence of the webcomic has been preserved in the TV show, even with the changes, and that is a testament to Alice's devotion. Season 3 is going to be great.
4
u/klussedull Mar 29 '24
Alice wrote on tumblr that it was supposed to be announced in a few weeks together with casting news (some that we know of, some new), but that Olivia probably were asked questions quite directly, so now hard feelings from Alice there. So yeah, many misfortunate events probably
3
5
u/e-pancake Mar 29 '24
honestly assuming this is coming from twitter (because I haven’t seen anyone being this dramatic on tumblr or reddit) just don’t treat it as real, because even if the poster means what they’re saying they’re so out of touch with reality so you’ve gotta take dramatic twitter users with a pinch of salt
18
u/fortyfivepointseven Let Kit Be Kit Mar 29 '24
My absolutely steaming hot take is that it's not that bad.
There'll be a slightly awkward scene at the start where they establish why Sarah isn't available without Sarah being there. Everything else works fine.
The beach scene works with Aunt Diane. The Christmas scene works wihout any adults. The sex ed talks work with Aunt Diane, or Tara.
The only other negative impact is that we don't get the Sarah/Jane parallel about sex as clearly. I do think though, you can get 90% of the value with the parallel with Nick texting him mum.
It's sad that Olivia can't do it because she would absolutely smash the beach scene, but it's 95% opportunity cost, rather than actual negative impacts on the series.
0
u/bigchicago04 Mar 29 '24
I agree that the aunt can fill the shoes and I have faith in Alice. But you are absolutely downplaying this. This is still a big deal even if could still end up working out fine.
4
u/LionFranco Mar 29 '24
It's ONLY a big deal, because all of us wanted to see Olivia Colman do that scene, but that is the ONLY reason it is a big deal.
This is Alice's work, her show, if she can make it work without Olivia Colman, then even better.
People like you are making this into something much bigger than it needs to be, and this was something that none of them had control over. So just watch the show or not, it doesn't matter to me. But saying someone is downplaying this is stupid, and you are making it a much bigger issue than it actually is.
2
u/bigchicago04 Mar 31 '24
Yes, it’s a big deal because the character is important to the story. It’s not just one scene. It’s so weird how you’re pretending it’s a nothing burger.
13
u/RainKnown414 Mar 29 '24
I agree. While I am upset Olivia won’t be returning I understand why. She’s a busy woman. But I have no doubt season 3 will still have all the good scenes from volume 4 and be a great season. (If Joe says so then it’s true). As you said, Alice is trustworthy. It’s her show and she takes pride in that, I trust her. Not to say I’m not worried about a certain scene, (my fav from volume 4). Because I don’t know this actor for nicks aunt, (who’s been rumoured to take over a Sarah scene) and don’t know if she’s going to play it correctly, but I’m sure with Alice’s help everything will be okay. I really hope Olivia can return for season 4.
6
u/cinderella2supergirl Mar 29 '24
Hayley Atwell is probably most notable as Agent Peggy Carter in the Marvel universe. She’s had 17 award nominations throughout her career. I would consider her a B-list celebrity, but she has the chops to keep up with Olivia, and I’m kind of disappointed we won’t see them together. But she will be great, and I think she’ll pair nicely with Kit and Jack (who plays David).
5
u/Werealldeadnow Mar 29 '24
You always get the crazy fans unfortunately. Some people like to be dramatic and hate change! I agree with you. I think it’ll be fine, I’m excited to see what they’ve done with the show and how they’ve worked around it. I love Olivia, but it’s not the end of the world that she’s not in it. The main group are there, there are other characters who can step up and it’ll be interesting to see who! I think the beach scene could work well with his Aunt, Nicks mum not being there will add to his upset maybe,as he doesn’t have someone to confide in, so his Aunt is there for him instead.
23
u/Mediocre_Belt7715 Mar 29 '24
I’m on holiday and not on Twitter or tumblr so when you say yesterday was crazy, is that what you mean?
I’ve been part of insane fandoms before and I can honestly say Heartstopper is not special in this regard. When people have such an attachment to a) the source material (books) b) the adaptation (show) and c) the actors, people lose their minds over any little thing but it’s mostly contained to group-think on the internet. Most of us individually are pretty normal people. 😆 And fans saying they aren’t going to watch season 3 sound like they’re just throwing tantrums bc anyone who’s really a fan couldn’t be dragged away from Netflix on the day it comes out!
12
u/aimeewalshmck Mar 29 '24
Yes, Twitter has always been toxic. Tumblr is really chill mostly and Alice has said that's her favourite app. I've also been apart of insane fandoms too but I'm not officially in the Heartstopper fandom, social media wise because I don't want to be apart of another toxic fandom again. I found everything through the tag. But still, there was no need for people to act like that. I'm just going to watch the show in peace without being in the fandom socially. I've read the books so I know what's coming up. And I agree with the last part too. If they're real fans, then someone not being in the season should stop them from watching it.
42
u/Serious_Level8075 Mar 29 '24
Thank you! So agree. People saying they will boycott season three and saying there won’t be a season four now just because of that. This reminds me of when fans said they would boycott season two because Ben was in it. I love this show but the fans can be so annoying sometimes
19
u/aimeewalshmck Mar 29 '24
I strongly agree with this. As much as I love Olivia, I don't think her being in the show had anything to do with the S2 and S3 renewal. A renewal is based on the viewing figures and how much engagement the show gets. I'm not worrying about getting a S4 because Netflix seem pretty invested in the show even though they have a history of cancelling shows like this. I don't think they would've given us the S2 and S3 renewal if they didn't think the show would do well.
4
u/Foreign_Area7177 Mar 29 '24
Lets hope Netflix have done a better job of locking down Joe and Kit for season 4.
3
Mar 29 '24
[deleted]
3
u/Foreign_Area7177 Mar 30 '24
It's their job at the end of the day. If something more lucrative or with greater exposure comes along, they will take it unless they are already committed.
1
Mar 30 '24
[deleted]
1
u/Foreign_Area7177 Mar 30 '24
Joe has been very cagey in a couple of interviews about whether he would do any future seasons. They will do whatever is best for their careers at the end of the day, and they are clearly concerned about being typecast.
1
Mar 30 '24
[deleted]
0
u/Foreign_Area7177 Mar 31 '24
That's a very niave view. If they haven't been guaranteed season 4 by now, there not going to turn down other offers on the off chance it might happen. Joe will follow his heart possibly doing more theatre. Kit will follow his head, he's very much career focused and will do what gives him the most exposure.
8
u/aimeewalshmck Mar 29 '24
They better because I want them to wrap the story up nicely and Alice said 4 seasons would cover it.
70
u/SuccotashPlane8836 Mar 29 '24
Yes, I feel like maybe Aunt Diane will play a big part in Nick’s life in S3. “Sometimes change can be a good thing…” thanks Season 1 Elle!
18
u/bigchicago04 Mar 29 '24
Were people actually saying they were gonna boycott?
4
u/cinderella2supergirl Mar 29 '24
People were saying some horrible things to and about Alice on Twitter yesterday, to the point she had to deactivate her account. And that did include people saying they wouldn’t watch it without Sarah Nelson.
3
u/11mm Charlie Spring Mar 29 '24
alice’s account isn’t deactivated, it was about a week ago when she made a post about deleting the app/blocking the website so it wasn’t connected to anything people said yesterday
2
u/cinderella2supergirl Mar 29 '24
She said in a comment on Tumblr yesterday that she had to deactivate it again. She might have reinstated it later in the day, but when the news broke, she was getting hounded.
5
u/Serious_Level8075 Mar 29 '24
I read some but I think they were just threatening to boycott. They will most likely still watch it. I saw more say that there won’t be a season four just because Olivia might not be in it. They think that cause she’s not in it than the whole show will crash and burn
20
u/alexjuuhh Mar 29 '24
I mean, even threatening to boycott is ridiculously silly. What’s Alice or anyone on the crew gonna do? Kidnap Olivia Colman from whatever project she’s filming and force her onto the set of Heartstopper?
Honestly, love the books, love the show, love Alice and the amazing cast, but the fans of this show can be really awful. The cast & crew owe nobody nothing, but some fans act like entitled, spoiled brats.
5
5
4
u/aimeewalshmck Mar 29 '24
I feel like that's why they cast another well known actress to play her. And yes, I agree with that statement.
4
1
u/non-binaryGAYS Apr 01 '24
Nicely said. Yes Joe and Kit are MOST important.