Fans of the After movie franchise are no strangers to emotional roller coasters, but this time the drama isn’t only on screen. In a surprise announcement, the U.S. release date of After We Collided, the highly anticipated sequel to 2019’s After, has officially been pushed back. While this may feel like a punch to the gut for loyal viewers eager to dive back into the passionate, stormy romance of Tessa and Hardin, there’s an unexpected silver lining: not one, but two new After movies have been confirmed.
Originally slated for a wide U.S. release in the fall of 2020, After We Collided was supposed to bring Josephine Langford (as Tessa Young) and Hero Fiennes Tiffin (as Hardin Scott) back to the big screen to continue their explosive love story. The film, based on the second novel in Anna Todd’s bestselling After series, had already rolled out in several international territories, gaining traction and setting fandoms ablaze with discussions, memes, and fan edits. But just as anticipation was reaching a fever pitch stateside, the producers dropped the unexpected news: the release date would be pushed back due to pandemic-related delays and distribution changes. While no exact rescheduled date was immediately given at the time of the announcement, the official After movie social media accounts assured fans that the wait would be worth it.
The real shocker came moments later when the production team confirmed that two additional sequels were already in the works — making After a four-part saga. With After We Fell and After Ever Happy already on the development slate, the announcement turned disappointment into celebration almost instantly.
The success of the After franchise is nothing short of remarkable. What began as a piece of fan fiction loosely inspired by a popular boy band quickly grew into a bestselling novel series and, eventually, a film franchise with global reach. While critics have been divided, the fan base has remained fiercely loyal, fueling box office wins and social media dominance.
Director Roger Kumble (Cruel Intentions) took the reins for After We Collided, bringing a darker, more mature tone to the sequel, and the cast welcomed new faces including Dylan Sprouse as Trevor, a potential new love interest for Tessa. The intensity between the leads, paired with a deeper dive into themes of trauma, forgiveness, and emotional growth, marks a turning point for the story — a shift from teenage infatuation to adult passion.
The delayed release of After We Collided is part of a larger pattern seen across the film industry during the pandemic era. With theaters closing or limiting capacity, many studios have had to reevaluate release strategies. Some opt for direct-to-digital drops, while others stagger international and domestic rollouts. The After franchise has already proven its global appeal, raking in millions overseas before even hitting U.S. shores. This calculated delay may actually serve to build even more momentum. By holding back the U.S. release while confirming the continuation of the series, the franchise keeps its most dedicated market (the U.S. audience) engaged and hopeful, rather than disappointed and disengaged.
For now, U.S. fans will have to hold on a bit longer to see where Tessa and Hardin’s fiery connection leads next. But with two additional films officially greenlit, the story isn’t ending — it’s just getting started. In After We Collided, we can expect betrayal, heartbreak, and redemption as the young lovers try to navigate the fallout of lies and emotional damage. Then, in After We Fell and After Ever Happy, audiences will be taken on a journey through their most transformative years — with twists, family drama, and possibly a resolution to the question that has haunted the series from the beginning: Are Tessa and Hardin meant to be?
One thing is for sure — the After fandom isn’t going anywhere. Whether they’re waiting another month or another year, fans will show up. Because for them, it’s not just about the drama. It’s about the love story, the growth, and the chance to believe in redemption.
