When it comes to the After franchise, fans often find it difficult to separate the actors from the characters they bring to life. Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin have become synonymous with Tessa Young and Hardin Scott, the passionate couple whose love story has carried the films to global success. But according to director Castille Landon, the real-life personalities of the cast are very different from the tempestuous characters they portray on screen.
Landon, who directed After We Fell, After Ever Happy, and After Everything, recently opened up about the dynamic on set and what it was like working with the stars behind such beloved roles.
“Fans sometimes assume the actors are just like Tessa and Hardin in real life, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” Landon explained. “Hero is incredibly grounded and soft-spoken—he doesn’t have Hardin’s volatility at all. And Josephine is witty, thoughtful, and far less conflicted than Tessa. They both bring a lot of themselves into their performances, but off camera, they’re very different people.”
Landon credited the actors’ ability to separate themselves from their characters as one of the reasons the franchise works so well. “It takes real talent to embody characters with such emotional intensity and then step off set and be completely different,” she said. “It shows their professionalism and range.”
Beyond the leads, Landon also praised the ensemble cast for their commitment and camaraderie. “The After films have always been about relationships—romantic and otherwise. What’s beautiful is that behind the camera, the cast has built their own supportive relationships. They’re not just colleagues; they’re friends who cheer each other on.”
This insight adds an interesting layer for fans who have long speculated about the blurred line between fiction and reality. While the chemistry between Langford and Fiennes Tiffin drives the heart of the films, Landon reminds audiences that it is ultimately the craft of acting that makes Tessa and Hardin feel so real.
“People connect with Tessa and Hardin because Josephine and Hero make them believable,” Landon added. “But at the end of the day, they go home as Josephine and Hero—two people who are very different from the characters fans love.”
As the After saga continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, Landon’s behind-the-scenes perspective offers fans a deeper appreciation for the artistry involved. It underscores the fact that the power of storytelling lies not just in the script, but in the ability of actors to transform into characters who capture hearts while remaining true to themselves off screen.
