The heart of the After series lies in its lead actors—Josephine Langford as Tessa Young and Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Hardin Scott. Fortunately for fans, both actors reprised their roles in After We Fell, continuing to bring life to the emotionally complex relationship at the center of the series. Langford and Tiffin’s performances have consistently anchored the films, and their return provided continuity in a story filled with chaos, drama, and romantic turbulence.
Tessa’s evolution from a naive college student to a woman caught between ambition and love remains compelling thanks to Langford’s understated yet emotional portrayal. Meanwhile, Tiffin’s interpretation of Hardin, the brooding and often volatile love interest, further deepened as the character wrestled with past traumas and growing insecurities. Their chemistry remained undeniable, offering stability in a film otherwise shaken by several casting changes.
One of the most noticeable changes was the recasting of Tessa’s best friend, Landon Gibson. Originally played by Shane Paul McGhie in After and After We Collided, the role was taken over by Chilling Adventures of Sabrina star Chance Perdomo. McGhie’s departure was confirmed due to production and contractual reasons, reportedly tied to the shift in filming locations from the U.S. to Eastern Europe. Perdomo brought his own warmth and sincerity to Landon, though some fans missed the familiar dynamic McGhie had established. Nonetheless, Perdomo’s performance was praised for maintaining the character’s integrity as the supportive and level-headed confidant in Tessa’s life.
Many of the casting changes stemmed from the production moving to Bulgaria to comply with COVID-19 safety protocols. This shift made it difficult for some U.S.-based actors to continue with the franchise. Rather than delay filming, the producers chose to recast multiple roles simultaneously—an unusual but necessary move that allowed the project to move forward while keeping its core story intact.
Though some fans were initially disheartened by these shakeups, others appreciated the effort to keep the series progressing despite global challenges. Director Castille Landon, who helmed After We Fell and its sequel After Ever Happy, emphasized that maintaining the emotional continuity of the story was a top priority, even if certain faces had to change.
The fanbase for the After series is passionate and vocal, and naturally, the casting changes sparked widespread debate. While many viewers applauded the new actors for stepping into difficult roles under pressure, others felt a sense of loss, particularly with characters like Landon and Christian Vance who had previously been established. Nonetheless, After We Fell was generally well-received within its target aud ce, thanks in large part to the steadfast performances of Langford and Fiennes Tiffin. Their unwavering presence helped bridge the gap between old and new cast members, making the story feel cohesive despite the shakeups.
After We Fell is a testament to the resilience of a franchise under pressure. Navigating a global pandemic, travel restrictions, and a series of recasts, the film still managed to tell a compelling story of love, betrayal, and personal growth. The return of Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin provided an emotional anchor, while new cast members brought fresh energy to familiar roles. Though not every fan embraced the changes immediately, the film succeeded in pushing the narrative forward, setting the stage for its final installment.
