Hero Fiennes Tiffin, the heartthrob who brought Hardin Scott to life in the After franchise, has captivated audiences with his portrayal of a complex, brooding romantic lead. In a recent interview, the British actor opened up about his experience filming After Ever Happy, the fourth installment of the popular romantic drama series based on Anna Todd’s novels. Tiffin’s candid reflections on learning from his mistakes, both as an actor and as Hardin, along with his thoughts on the film’s emotionally charged ending, offer fans a deeper look into his growth as an artist and the journey of bringing this beloved story to its conclusion. With After Ever Happy marking a pivotal chapter in the Tessa and Hardin saga, Tiffin’s insights reveal the challenges and rewards of embodying a character who evolves through love, pain, and self-discovery.
After Ever Happy, released in 2022, continues the turbulent love story of Tessa Young (Josephine Langford) and Hardin Scott, a couple whose passionate yet volatile relationship has kept fans hooked since the first film in 2019. The series, born from Todd’s Wattpad sensation, explores themes of love, betrayal, and personal transformation, with Hardin’s journey from a troubled bad boy to a man seeking redemption at its core. Tiffin, now 27, has grown alongside the character, navigating the challenges of portraying Hardin’s emotional depth while grappling with the pressures of fame. In his interview, he spoke about how the role pushed him to confront his own mistakes, both on set and in life, and how those lessons shaped his performance in the film’s climactic moments.
Tiffin’s journey with the After series began when he was just 20, a relatively unknown actor stepping into a role that would define his career. “I was learning as I went,” he admitted, reflecting on his early days on set. “Hardin’s mistakes—his impulsiveness, his anger—forced me to look at my own flaws and how I handle things.” Hardin’s character, known for his temper and self-destructive tendencies, undergoes significant growth in After Ever Happy, confronting his past traumas and striving to be a better partner for Tessa. Tiffin described this arc as both challenging and rewarding, noting that the emotional weight of the story required him to dig deep. “You can’t just act upset; you have to feel it,” he said, emphasizing the authenticity he aimed to bring to Hardin’s redemption.
The film’s production was not without its hurdles. Shot during the COVID-19 pandemic, After Ever Happy required strict protocols, adding stress to an already demanding schedule. Tiffin recalled moments of self-doubt, particularly in scenes where Hardin’s vulnerability is laid bare. “There were days I’d mess up a line or feel off, and I’d beat myself up about it,” he shared. “But those mistakes taught me to be kinder to myself and to trust the process.” This growth mirrors Hardin’s own journey, as the character learns to confront his insecurities and take responsibility for his actions. Tiffin’s ability to channel his personal reflections into his performance adds a layer of authenticity that resonates with fans, many of whom see Hardin as a flawed but relatable figure.
The ending of After Ever Happy has been a major talking point for fans, and Tiffin’s comments offer insight into its emotional impact. Without spoiling key details, the finale sees Tessa and Hardin facing pivotal choices that test their love and individual growth. Tiffin described filming the final scenes as “bittersweet,” knowing they marked the end of a significant chapter in his career. “It’s not just about wrapping up their story,” he said. “It’s about giving fans closure while leaving room for their imagination.” The ending, which balances heartbreak and hope, has sparked heated discussions on platforms like X, with fans praising the chemistry between Tiffin and Langford. “Jo and I knew we had to nail those scenes,” Tiffin noted, crediting their off-screen friendship for their on-screen authenticity.
