Kit Connor Shows off Dramatic New Beard While Out With Famous Friends
Kit Connor is trading his “boy next door” image for a look that is significantly more rugged. The 21-year-old actor, who became a global sensation for his role in the Netflix series Heartstopper, left fans doing a double-take after a new photo surfaced on social media over the weekend.
In a post shared by Scissor Sisters member Scott Hoffman, also known as Babydaddy, Connor is seen sporting a full, bushy beard and a noticeably bulkier physique. The group photo captured a high-profile dinner in London with several major stars, including Elton John and his husband David Furnish, Andrew Scott, Russell Tovey, and Kadiff Kirwan.
Fans were quick to point out that the actor looked almost unrecognizable compared to the clean-cut Nick Nelson they grew to love. One follower commented in disbelief, KIT WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, while others noted that it took them several minutes to even locate him in the star-studded lineup.
This transformation isn’t just for style, as Connor has been deep in a series of intense, more mature projects. He recently appeared in the A24 war drama Warfare, a film written and directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza.
The project, which was released in theaters on April 11, 2025, follows the stories of Iraq War veterans and required Connor and his co-stars—including Charles Melton and Will Poulter—to undergo rigorous physical training to portray soldiers.
As of February, Kit is preparing for one of the biggest years of his career. He is set to star in the mystery-horror film One of Us, which will have its world premiere at the Manchester Film Festival in March 2026.
In the allegorical film, Connor plays a character named “Youngest” who must search for a stranger among his family members as they begin dying one by one during a funeral. The movie also stars Sienna Guillory and Charlotte Hope, marking a dark departure from his previous teen-centered roles.
Theater fans are also fresh off seeing Connor’s acclaimed Broadway debut in a contemporary musical adaptation of Romeo + Juliet. Starring opposite Rachel Zegler, the production directed by Sam Gold wrapped up its strictly limited engagement on February 16, 2025.
His performance was widely praised and earned him several Broadway.com Audience Awards, including Favorite Leading Actor in a Play and Favorite Breakthrough Performance.
Looking further into this year, Connor will conclude the franchise that made him a star with the release of Heartstopper Forever. The feature-length film, which he also executive-produced, will serve as the final chapter for Nick and Charlie as they navigate the transition to university and the challenges of a long-distance relationship.
Beyond that, he is slated to star in the medieval zombie horror film Rapture and the upcoming drama A Long Winter, directed by All of Us Strangers filmmaker Andrew Haigh. With a resume that now spans everything from Broadway tragedies to gritty A24 war films, Kit Connor has successfully transitioned from a teen idol to a versatile leading man.
Do you think Kit Connor’s rugged new look is a sign that we’ve seen the last of his “teen heartthrob” era as he moves into more serious, adult roles? Share your thoughts in the comments.