The After franchise, a steamy teen romance saga based on Anna Todd’s novels, has captivated fans with its turbulent love story between Tessa Young and Hardin Scott. However, when After We Fell, the third film, hit screens in 2021, fans were stunned by a major casting overhaul. Key characters, including Landon Gibson, Hardin’s kind-hearted stepbrother, were recast, sparking confusion and debate on platforms like X. Why did Shane Paul McGhie, who played Landon in After (2019) and After We Collided (2020), exit the series? Why were other major roles, like Carol Young and Christian Vance, also replaced? The answer lies in a perfect storm of COVID-19 restrictions, scheduling conflicts, and production logistics that forced the After We Fell team to make tough choices, reshaping the franchise’s trajectory.
The primary driver behind the recasting was the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted film production worldwide. Unlike the first two films, shot in Atlanta, Georgia, After We Fell and its sequel, After Ever Happy, were filmed back-to-back in Sofia, Bulgaria, starting in October 2020. This location shift was strategic: Bulgaria had lower COVID-19 case numbers, making it a safer filming hub during the pandemic’s peak. However, international travel restrictions and quarantine protocols complicated actors’ ability to join the production. Many cast members from After We Collided faced barriers traveling from the U.S. to Bulgaria, especially with the extended shooting schedule required for two films. These logistical challenges made it impossible for several actors to return, necessitating a recast of five major roles: Landon Gibson, Carol Young, Christian Vance, Kimberly Vance, and Karen Scott.
Landon Gibson, originally portrayed by Shane Paul McGhie, was recast with Chance Perdomo, known for his role as Ambrose in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. McGhie announced his departure on Instagram, stating, “We could not come to an agreement, and I had to make a really tough call. I had to stand up for me, the way Landon would.” While he didn’t specify details, his exit was likely tied to the scheduling conflicts and location issues that plagued the production. Perdomo stepped into the role, bringing a fresh energy to Landon, Tessa’s supportive friend and Hardin’s stepbrother, though some fans on X expressed frustration, with one user lamenting, “Couldn’t even tell the difference between Hardin’s dad and Vance” due to the cast changes.
The back-to-back filming of After We Fell and After Ever Happy exacerbated the issue. The extended schedule clashed with actors’ other commitments, such as Westbrook’s role in All American on The CW. Selma Blair’s health struggles with multiple sclerosis, noted by fans on Reddit, may have also contributed to her absence, as she filmed After We Collided under physical constraints. These factors, combined with the franchise’s decision to prioritize a timely release, led to the casting shake-up. Director Castille Landon, who helmed both films, emphasized preparation and adaptability, stating, “Every day was a new, often unprecedented, challenge.”
Despite the changes, the franchise retained its core appeal: the electric chemistry between Tessa (Josephine Langford) and Hardin (Hero Fiennes-Tiffin), who signed four-movie deals. Fans on X praised the new cast’s efforts, with Perdomo’s Landon earning positive nods, though the recasts didn’t generate significant critical buzz. The films’ focus on Tessa and Hardin’s romance ensured their success, with After We Fell grossing $9.2 million globally on its opening weekend. The franchise continued with After Everything (2023) and announced spin-offs, suggesting the recasts didn’t derail its momentum.
