Joe Locke Had Poster for Popular Gay Rom-Com Removed from Agatha All Along Set
Sharp-eyed Agatha All Along fans have figured out which LGBTQ+ movie poster Joe Locke had removed from his character’s bedroom.
In the spooky sapphic Marvel series, Joe Locke from Heartstopper portrays Billy Maximoff, aka Wiccan, the openly gay superhero. His bedroom is a vibrant mix of Pride-themed decor and classic movie memorabilia.
One of the most striking features of the room is a prominent “Trans Lives Matter” flag, which Locke played a key role in bringing to the set.
In an October interview with The Wrap, Locke shared that he had requested a few changes to Wiccan’s bedroom, including replacing a poster for a queer film that he felt the community had “moved on from.”
Thanks to new set images shared by Drew Monahan, the supervising art director for Agatha: Coven of Chaos, fans have deduced that the outdated film Locke referred to was the 2018 gay rom-com Love, Simon.
In photos posted on social media by fans, one corner of Wiccan’s room features a large poster for Love, Simon, which was originally placed where the “Trans Lives Matter” flag now hangs.
In his interview with The Wrap, Locke explained that he didn’t think Wiccan “would have watched” the film in question.
“There were a few film posters in his room that I didn’t think he would have had on his wall,” Locke shared. “I’m not going to name names, but while those films were great representations at the time, I feel like we’ve moved on from that. So, we replaced one with the ‘Trans Lives Matter’ flag.”
He went on to praise the work of the set-dressers and prop department, noting how much great material was included. However, there was one item that didn’t sit right with him: a sticker featuring moon phases in a rainbow with the phrase “not a phase” beneath it.
“I saw it and thought, ‘This is great, but it has to go,’” Locke laughed. “I’m really sorry, but it had to go.”
Love, Simon sparked mixed reactions among LGBTQ+ viewers.
Upon its release in 2018, Love, Simon sparked a divided response within the LGBTQ+ community. For many, especially in an era with limited LGBTQ+ representation — particularly in the rom-com genre — the film was hailed as a joyful and groundbreaking moment.
However, a significant portion of the community felt the movie presented a one-dimensional portrayal of queer life, one that seemed more geared toward straight audiences than to queer people themselves.
The film centers on Simon (Nick Robinson), a closeted gay teenager whose world unravels when he begins exchanging anonymous emails with another closeted student. As the story unfolds, Simon discovers that the mysterious pen pal is his classmate, Bram (Keiynan Lonsdale).
Love, Simon opens with the protagonist, Simon, declaring, “I’m just like you, I have a perfectly normal life,” a sentiment that some critics argue oversimplifies the complexities of being a queer teenager. Some viewers felt the film lacked the depth to fully capture the nuances of growing up LGBTQ+, while others believed Simon was trying to fit himself into a heteronormative mold when it came to relationships.
After learning that Locke decided to ditch Love, Simon, many fans on social media have expressed agreement, suggesting that the character Wiccan definitely wouldn’t have been a fan of the film.
“Real ones know that movie was awful — total ‘gay content for straight people,’” wrote one Agatha All Along stan.
“GOOD lmao, he would hate that movie,” another person chimed in.
*Agatha All Along* is currently streaming on Disney+.
