The After universe isn’t done tugging on our heartstrings just yet. In a surprise announcement that sent fans into an emotional spiral (again), the creators behind the hit romance franchise have confirmed “After: Next Generation” will officially premiere in 2025. But with the announcement came a burning question lighting up every fan forum and social media feed: Is it a movie or a full-blown series?
So far, the franchise has given audiences an emotional rollercoaster ride through the relationship of Tessa Young and Hardin Scott, portrayed by Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin. Their fiery chemistry, combined with a passionate fan base that originated from Anna Todd’s original Wattpad sensation, helped the After films break box office records and dominate streaming charts. But after “After Everything” in 2023 wrapped up the original couple’s story, many assumed the saga was finally over.
On June 2025, Voltage Pictures and Wattpad Studios jointly dropped the news: After: Next Generation is officially in the works. Though details are still emerging, one thing is certain — this is a fresh take with a new generation of characters. The story is expected to center around Emery Scott, the teenage daughter of Tessa and Hardin, navigating her own complicated emotions, relationships, and self-identity in a world forever shaped by her parents’ tumultuous love story. Emery was briefly mentioned in “After Everything,” leaving fans curious about what kind of upbringing she’d have, and whether she’d inherit the intensity — or emotional scars — of her parents. With Next Generation, it seems fans will finally get answers.
If it’s a movie, it would follow the structure fans are already used to—an intense 90 to 120-minute ride filled with drama, romance, and at least one emotionally charged argument under the rain. A movie would allow the team to maintain the same high production values and stylistic intensity that made the original films so iconic, and it would likely aim for a theatrical release followed by global streaming distribution.
On the other hand, a series format opens up so many more doors narratively. With the chance to explore characters more deeply, the creators could delve into Emery’s teenage years, friendships, and her discovery of love in an entirely new context. Given the serialized success of other YA adaptations on platforms like Netflix (Heartstopper, XO, Kitty, My Life with the Walter Boys), a weekly or binge-ready series could attract both original After fans and a new Gen Z audience. Industry insiders have hinted that a streaming platform partnership is in development, but stopped short of confirming which one. Some fans suspect Amazon Prime Video or Netflix may be involved, while others are hoping for a Wattpad-owned release under their original content brand.
While casting details are still under wraps, the announcement suggests we’ll be introduced to an almost entirely new cast. However, producers haven’t ruled out the possibility of cameos or brief appearances by Langford and Tiffin. Whether they return as older, more mature versions of Tessa and Hardin—or simply through flashbacks—remains a closely guarded secret. This casting decision signals a clear transition: After: Next Generation isn’t just a continuation, it’s a passing of the torch. It speaks to how love, trauma, and identity ripple across generations—something author Anna Todd herself has often explored in her writing.
Still, some longtime viewers are approaching the revival with cautious optimism. While they’re eager to dive back into the After world, they hope the next chapter will bring more nuanced storytelling, emotional maturity, and a chance to move beyond the toxicity that sometimes clouded Tessa and Hardin’s relationship. Others are hoping Next Generation will address themes relevant to younger audiences today—mental health, identity, generational trauma, and the pressure of growing up in the shadow of complicated legacies.
It’s no surprise that the After universe is expanding. The franchise has become more than a guilty pleasure—it’s a global phenomenon, tapping into the emotional language of millions who’ve found comfort, catharsis, or chaos in Tessa and Hardin’s love story. Now, by exploring the story of their daughter, the creators have the chance to reflect on the long-term consequences of intense young love and how it shapes a person’s worldview.Whether it’s a 2-hour film or a 10-episode series, After: Next Generation isn’t just about another love story. It’s about what happens after the “happily ever after.” It’s about healing, growth, and maybe—just maybe—doing things differently the second time around.
