Pop icon Charli XCX is making waves yet again—this time on the big screen. The newly released trailer for Julia Jackman’s 100 Nights of Hero showcases the multifaceted singer-songwriter in a bold, dramatic role unlike anything we’ve seen before.
Adapted from Isabel Greenberg’s acclaimed graphic novel, the film is already generating buzz across the indie and pop culture spheres.
In this article, we dive deep into what the trailer reveals, explore the significance of the original story, examine Charli XCX’s acting evolution, and break down why 100 Nights of Hero could be a defining film of 2026.
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Overview of 100 Nights of Hero
100 Nights of Hero is a fantastical feminist fable originally penned by UK author and illustrator Isabel Greenberg. First published in 2016, the graphic novel quickly developed a cult following for its blend of fairy-tale storytelling, rich visuals, and subversive themes.
Set in a mythical land, the story centers around Hero, a servant and secret lover of a woman named Cherry, who is forced to outwit a lecherous man through the power of storytelling. Over the course of 100 nights, Hero spins tales of powerful women, mythic creatures, and resistance against patriarchy—all while trying to protect the woman she loves.
The film adaptation, directed by rising filmmaker Julia Jackman, brings this layered narrative to life with surreal visuals and modern emotion, positioning it as one of the most anticipated literary-to-film adaptations of the year.
Who Is Julia Jackman?
If you’re not yet familiar with Julia Jackman, now is the time to take notice. Known for her emotionally intelligent storytelling and visually poetic style, Jackman has been steadily rising through the ranks of the UK indie film scene.
Her previous short film Open My Eyes, which premiered at the BFI Future Film Festival, was praised for its empathetic portrayal of queer youth. With 100 Nights of Hero, Jackman steps into full-length feature territory—backed by a passionate creative team and a dynamic cast led by Charli XCX.
Why this matters for SEO: Jackman’s name is being increasingly searched in relation to queer cinema and literary adaptations. Including her bio here helps capture search traffic for both her and the film.
Charli XCX as Hero: A Bold Casting Choice
Breaking the Pop Star Mold
Charli XCX—known for chart-toppers like Boom Clap, Vroom Vroom, and her recent critically acclaimed album BRAT—has always defied categorization. Her decision to take on the lead role of Hero, a queer, intellectual, and emotionally complex character, shows just how fearless she is in her artistic pursuits.
The Importance of Queer Representation
In 100 Nights of Hero, the central love story is between two women. Casting an openly queer artist like Charli XCX brings both visibility and authenticity to the film. Fans and critics alike have praised the casting as both daring and deeply resonant.
Trailer Breakdown: Key Moments
Released on [insert trailer release date], the official trailer for 100 Nights of Hero is a stunning showcase of cinematic surrealism, emotional gravitas, and poetic storytelling.
Visual Aesthetic
From celestial illustrations that nod to Greenberg’s original artwork to sweeping, dreamlike landscapes, the trailer captures the mythic tone of the source material. Cinematographer [insert name if known] uses soft lighting, shadow play, and vibrant textures to elevate the fantastical feel.
Standout Moments
- Charli XCX’s first monologue as Hero immediately sets the tone: “They think we are weak because we weave stories… but stories are spells.”
- The trailer features interwoven tales-within-the-tale, suggesting the narrative will preserve Greenberg’s layered storytelling structure.
- We catch glimpses of Cherry, played by [insert actress name], gazing longingly at Hero.
- The trailer closes with Hero’s voiceover: “For every story they silence, we shall tell a hundred more.” — a line already quoted widely on social media.
The Legacy of Isabel Greenberg’s Graphic Novel
Isabel Greenberg’s 100 Nights of Hero is a beloved work in modern feminist literature and graphic storytelling. The novel’s intricate narrative weaves multiple fairy tales together, all led by women and emphasizing resistance, love, and legacy.
The novel draws inspiration from Scheherazade’s 1001 Nights, but with a queer, feminist twist. With Greenberg involved as a consulting producer, the adaptation remains true to the spirit of the original while expanding its reach to a wider audience.
Themes of Feminism, Storytelling, and Resistance
At its heart, 100 Nights of Hero is about the power of narrative—especially when wielded by marginalized voices.
Feminist Reclamation of Myth
Much like Angela Carter’s The Bloody Chamber, the film challenges traditional narratives where women are passive figures or prizes. Instead, women are creators, rebels, and lovers.
Love as Resistance
Hero and Cherry’s relationship isn’t just romantic—it’s revolutionary. In a world where patriarchy seeks control, their love becomes a form of rebellion.
These are themes that resonate not just with fans of Greenberg or Charli XCX, but with anyone seeking meaningful representation in media.
Charli XCX’s Career Shift: Music to Film
This isn’t Charli XCX’s first brush with film—she previously contributed music to film soundtracks (The Fault in Our Stars, Barbie) and made cameos in short films. But 100 Nights of Hero marks her first major acting role, signaling a new chapter in her creative evolution.
How Her Music Career Informs Her Acting
Fans of Charli know that she’s always been theatrical in her music. From the Y2K-pop aesthetics of Vroom Vroom to the emotional rawness of Crash, she’s long used performance as a tool for emotional expression.
This emotional fluency translates beautifully to her portrayal of Hero—vulnerable, fierce, and defiantly poetic.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Since the trailer dropped, #100NightsOfHero, #CharliXCXFilmDebut, and #HeroAndCherry have all been trending across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram.
Highlights:
- TikTok edits of Charli’s most intense scenes are already going viral.
- BookTok is experiencing a renewed interest in Isabel Greenberg’s work.
- Tweets like “Charli XCX is about to serve and slay in 100 Nights of Hero” have amassed thousands of likes.
What This Means for Marketing
The film is positioned to dominate the alt-pop, queer, and graphic novel-loving audiences—a potent intersection for organic growth and virality.
What to Expect from the Full Film
While the trailer teases only fragments of the story, here’s what we can expect:
- Multiple narrative layers: Like the book, the film will likely contain story-within-a-story moments, each with different styles and tones.
- Rich female ensemble: Besides Hero and Cherry, expect a cast of supporting female characters from the tales Hero tells.
- Art-meets-magic realism: Visual storytelling will be a major draw, blending animation, illustration, and live action.
- A powerful original soundtrack? Rumors suggest Charli XCX may contribute original music to the score—potentially making this both a cinematic and sonic experience.
Frequently Asked Question
What is 100 Nights of Hero about?
100 Nights of Hero is a feminist fantasy film based on Isabel Greenberg’s graphic novel. The story follows Hero, a storyteller who must protect her lover, Cherry, from a predatory man by spinning captivating tales across 100 nights. It’s a tale of love, resistance, and the power of storytelling.
Who does Charli XCX play in 100 Nights of Hero?
Charli XCX plays the lead role of Hero, a clever and courageous woman who uses storytelling as a tool for resistance. This marks Charli’s first major acting role in a feature film.
Is 100 Nights of Hero Charli XCX’s acting debut?
Yes, 100 Nights of Hero is Charli XCX’s first leading role in a full-length film. While she has previously appeared in short films and contributed to soundtracks, this is her formal debut as a dramatic actress.
Who is directing 100 Nights of Hero?
The film is directed by Julia Jackman, a rising British filmmaker known for her work in emotionally driven queer cinema. She is adapting the source material with a strong emphasis on visual storytelling and feminist themes.
Is the movie faithful to Isabel Greenberg’s original graphic novel?
Yes, the film closely follows the themes and structure of Isabel Greenberg’s graphic novel. The adaptation retains the frame narrative style, mythical setting, and feminist undertones, with Greenberg herself involved as a consultant on the project.
Will Charli XCX contribute music to the film?
While not officially confirmed, there is speculation that Charli XCX may contribute to the film’s soundtrack, either by composing original songs or curating tracks that align with the film’s themes. Fans are hopeful for a music + film crossover.
When will 100 Nights of Hero be released?
An official release date hasn’t been announced yet, but based on current production timelines and trailer drop, the film is expected to premiere in early to mid-2026, possibly during the festival circuit or limited theatrical release.
Conclusion
Charli XCX starring in Julia Jackman’s 100 Nights of Hero isn’t just another music star trying acting—it’s a confluence of bold feminist storytelling, queer visibility, and cross-medium creativity.Whether you’re a fan of literary adaptations, experimental indie films, or boundary-pushing pop icons, this film demands attention. With its rich narrative, lush visuals, and emotionally resonant themes, it could easily become one of the most talked-about releases of 2026.