When After We Fell was released, many fans of the After franchise immediately noticed something felt different — and it wasn’t just the deepening drama between Tessa and Hardin. Several familiar faces had been replaced, most notably Landon Gibson, originally played by Shane Paul McGhie. In After We Fell, the role was taken over by actor Chance Perdomo (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), prompting questions across social media: Why did the cast change so drastically?
One of the biggest driving factors behind the recasts was the global COVID-19 pandemic. Filming for After We Fell and After Ever Happy (shot back-to-back) took place in Bulgaria in late 2020, a time when strict travel restrictions and quarantine requirements were in place across the globe. Due to scheduling conflicts and health safety concerns, several original cast members were unable or unwilling to travel internationally for the production. Rather than delay filming, the studio opted to recast roles to keep the franchise moving forward on schedule. This was a practical solution to a complicated problem, but it understandably disappointed some fans who had grown attached to the original actors.
Landon, one of the most beloved characters in the series, saw perhaps the most high-profile recasting. Shane Paul McGhie had portrayed Landon with warmth and subtlety in the first two films, making him a fan favorite. However, McGhie later confirmed via Instagram that he made the “difficult decision” to step away from the role due to “creative differences” with the production team. He wrote that while he loved playing Landon, the direction of the films and decisions behind the scenes no longer aligned with his vision for the character. Respectful and professional, his statement gave fans some closure — and cleared the way for Chance Perdomo to step in.
Perdomo brought a slightly different energy to the role — more grounded, intellectual, and mature — and while some fans needed time to adjust, many appreciated his unique interpretation. He was also cast in anticipation of the planned Landon spinoff series, allowing producers to shape the future of the character with a consistent performer. As expected, reactions were mixed. Some fans felt disoriented by the sudden changes, especially since the After series relies heavily on emotional continuity and chemistry between characters. Others, however, praised the new actors for stepping into challenging roles and managing to carry the story forward with heart and conviction. Over time, most fans adjusted, and by the time After Ever Happy was released, the new cast had become part of the After experience. The franchise’s focus on Tessa and Hardin’s romance helped maintain consistency, even amid the changes.
While recasting is never ideal, in this case, it was necessary to keep the franchise alive during a turbulent time in global production. Despite the hurdles, the creative team managed to complete the saga, deliver the full story to fans, and even expand the universe with After Everything in 2023 and a Landon spinoff reportedly still in development. The dedication of the cast and crew — old and new — ensured that the After franchise didn’t end prematurely, giving fans a complete (and emotional) five-film journey.
The recasting in After We Fell wasn’t a creative whim — it was a response to real-world challenges, both personal and global. And while change is always difficult in beloved franchises, the resilience of the After team proved that the heart of a story can still shine through, even with new faces. In the end, it’s the characters — not just the actors — that fans fall in love with.
