Hero Fiennes Tiffin doesn’t need to speak to go viral — and his rare Thanksgiving appearance this week proved it once again. The After star, celebrated for his brooding portrayal of Hardin Scott, stepped out for a low-key charity event during the holiday, instantly igniting speculation across social media about whether a new spin-off centered on Hardin could be quietly taking shape behind the scenes.
The actor, who is notoriously selective about public outings, attended a Thanksgiving food drive in Los Angeles, posing briefly for photos with volunteers and local organizers. His appearance was polished but noticeably understated: dark jacket, tousled longer hair, and a familiar contemplative expression. Within minutes, fans began circulating the images online, pointing out how closely the actor resembled Hardin’s post-After Ever Happy look.
On TikTok, edits labeled “Hardin Thanksgiving Era” accumulated thousands of views within the first hour. One viral comment read, “He looks like he walked straight off a deleted scene.” Others took the observation further, with several fan accounts speculating that the actor might be maintaining Hardin’s aesthetic for an unannounced project. “Actors don’t keep a specific look this long unless something is happening,” one fan posted, setting off a chain reaction of theories.
The rumors gained additional momentum when users resurfaced Hero’s earlier remarks during press interviews for Before, the Hardin Scott prequel released in 2023. At the time, he teased fans by saying, “I’d cameo if the story feels right — Hardin is a character I will always care about.” Though casual, the comment has since been treated as a promise, especially by fans still hungry for more content in the After universe.
Entertainment analysts say the renewed buzz is unsurprising. The After franchise remains one of the most commercially successful romance series of the streaming era, with a global fanbase that consistently dominates trending topics whenever stars Josephine Langford or Hero Fiennes Tiffin appear publicly. According to media strategist Alina Moretti, “The franchise is a demographic gold mine. Any hint of expansion, even accidental, spreads like wildfire.”
The Thanksgiving event itself offered no official hints. Organizers confirmed that Hero attended simply to help distribute meals and support fundraising efforts for families in need. Yet for fans, the gesture only deepened their admiration — and their determination to believe that something bigger might be brewing. “Hardin helping people? He’s in character,” one fan joked on X. Another wrote, “Thanksgiving blessings: Hero looks ready for another movie.”
Industry insiders remain cautious, noting that no studio has announced any new After-related development for 2026. Still, they acknowledge that the franchise’s profitability and Hero’s enduring star power leave the door wide open. With Hollywood increasingly relying on familiar IP to drive streaming engagement, a Hardin-centric continuation — whether a limited series, short film, or standalone sequel — is far from impossible.
For now, Hero Fiennes Tiffin has kept silent, neither confirming nor denying the swirling speculation. But his quiet Thanksgiving outing has once again demonstrated the unique intensity of the fandom he helped create. One appearance, one outfit, one photo — and suddenly the possibility of Hardin Scott’s return is all anyone can talk about.
Whether the rumors hold any truth or remain holiday-season wishful thinking, this Thanksgiving belongs to the fans who turned a simple charity event into the latest chapter of the After phenomenon.
