Kit Connor to Star in Andrew Haigh’s “A Long Winter”: Acclaimed Director Returns with New Drama

Andrew Haigh, known for his deeply human stories and acclaimed LGBTQ+ narratives, is set to return to the director’s chair for “A Long Winter,” a drama currently in pre-production. Haigh’s previous works—including the BAFTA-nominated “All of Us Strangers,” cult favorite “Weekend,” and key episodes of HBO’s “Looking”—have solidified his reputation as a filmmaker who brings queer experiences and relationships to the forefront with nuance and authenticity .

According to multiple sources, “A Long Winter” will feature Kit Connor, the young actor who became a global LGBTQ+ icon after starring as Nick Nelson in Netflix’s “Heartstopper” . Connor is joined by Fred Hechinger and D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, rounding out a cast that promises emotional depth and dynamic representation .

“A Long Winter” tells the story of Louise, an alcoholic mother who, after a heated argument with her husband Lester, leaves home with her dog to seek refuge at her brother Frank’s house several miles away. As a sudden blizzard engulfs the region, Lester and their son Mike start a desperate search, joined by neighbors and local law enforcement .

While the full details of Kit Connor’s role have not been made public, he is expected to portray a key character in this search-and-rescue drama . The emotional stakes—centered on family, redemption, and self-discovery—align with Haigh’s established storytelling style, which often delves into the complexities of identity and belonging.

The film is written and directed by Andrew Haigh, with production scheduled to begin in Calgary this October, positioning the film for a potential premiere at major festivals such as Cannes or Venice in 2026 .

Kit Connor’s casting marks a significant moment in his career. Having garnered international acclaim—and an outpouring of support from LGBTQ+ audiences—for his performance as a bisexual teenager in “Heartstopper,” Connor has become an important voice for queer youth and visibility . His public coming out as bisexual in 2022 has further cemented his role as an advocate for authentic representation .

Connor’s filmography already includes notable roles in “Little Joe,” “Rocketman,” BBC’s “His Dark Materials,” and the upcoming “Warfare,” where he starred opposite D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai . His ability to bring authenticity and vulnerability to his characters makes him a fitting choice for a Haigh-led project.

Andrew Haigh’s career is marked by a commitment to stories that center LGBTQ+ lives while resonating with universal themes of love, loss, and self-realization . His breakthrough, “Weekend,” offered an intimate portrait of two men falling in love over the course of a weekend, while “All of Us Strangers” explored grief and connection through a queer lens .

Haigh’s work on HBO’s “Looking” was particularly influential, providing nuanced depictions of gay men’s lives and relationships in San Francisco . With “A Long Winter,” he continues his tradition of inclusive storytelling—casting openly queer actors and ensuring LGBTQ+ perspectives are integrated both on and off screen.

The announcement of Kit Connor’s involvement has been met with enthusiasm from LGBTQ+ media and fans alike, who see the collaboration as a continuation of both Connor’s and Haigh’s dedication to visibility and authenticity in cinema . The film’s themes of searching for family, confronting one’s past, and the resilience of chosen and biological families echo the lived experiences of many in the LGBTQ+ community.

Haigh’s projects have frequently found support from advocacy organizations and queer film festivals, which have praised his commitment to casting LGBTQ+ actors in roles that reflect their identities and experiences . The involvement of Kit Connor—a prominent young bisexual actor—underscores the film’s potential impact as both a work of art and a catalyst for ongoing conversations about representation in mainstream media.

With production set to commence in the coming months and a festival premiere anticipated in 2026, “A Long Winter” is already generating significant buzz within the film community and among LGBTQ+ audiences . Further casting announcements and production details are expected soon, as Haigh and his team finalize producer credits and location logistics.

As the intersection of queer storytelling and mainstream cinema evolves, projects like “A Long Winter”—anchored by talents such as Kit Connor and Andrew Haigh—signal a promising future for inclusive, emotionally resonant films that speak to broad and diverse audiences.