The After franchise — beloved by millions for its intense romance and emotional drama — has never been short on surprises. But before fans could even buckle up for the third and fourth films, After We Fell and After Ever Happy, major news sent shockwaves through the fandom: four key characters were recast just before filming. While change is nothing new in Hollywood, replacing familiar faces in such a fan-driven series sparked plenty of questions — and emotions.
When production began on After We Fell and After Ever Happy, the world was still navigating the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions, health concerns, and personal scheduling conflicts made it nearly impossible for some original cast members to continue. To keep the production moving and meet fan expectations, the filmmakers had no choice but to recast several supporting roles.
Originally portrayed by Shane Paul McGhie, Landon — Hardin’s best friend and Tessa’s confidant — had become a fan favorite. But when it came time to return, McGhie bowed out. He later addressed his exit on Instagram, saying that negotiations with the studio had fallen through and that it was “a tough decision.”
In his place, producers cast Chance Perdomo, widely known for his role in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. While fans were initially shocked, many were quickly impressed by Perdomo’s smooth transition into the role, bringing a slightly different, but still heartfelt, take on Landon. The charismatic publisher and friend of Tessa’s father, Christian Vance was first played by Charlie Weber. However, the role was recast with Stephen Moyer, a familiar face from True Blood. Moyer brought a more seasoned energy to the character, which was fitting as Vance’s storyline grew more personal and impactful in the later films.
Kimberly, Christian’s partner and a supportive figure in Tessa’s life, was originally played by Candice King. But just before filming began, King announced she was pregnant, making it impossible for her to participate in the intense production schedule overseas. The role went to Arielle Kebbel, best known for The Vampire Diaries. Fans embraced her graceful and warm portrayal, and Kebbel quickly made the character her own.
Perhaps the most surprising recast was Selma Blair, who portrayed Tessa’s complicated mother Carol in the first two films. For the final chapters, Mira Sorvino stepped into the role. While Blair’s portrayal had been emotionally gripping, Sorvino brought a fresh intensity to Carol, especially as the character’s strained relationship with Tessa hit new depths.
Beyond the recasts, the final two films also introduced new characters. One major addition was Carter Jenkins as Robert, a charming new love interest who enters Tessa’s world just as things with Hardin grow more unstable. Jenkins’ character brought a new dimension to the series — and sparked plenty of heated fan debates about whether Tessa should move on from her chaotic romance with Hardin.
Recasting can be risky — especially for a franchise with a devoted fanbase like After. Viewers become emotionally attached to actors, and any change can feel like a betrayal. But in the case of After We Fell and After Ever Happy, the production team had a clear goal: maintain momentum and deliver a satisfying end to Tessa and Hardin’s story, even if that meant making difficult decisions.
Surprisingly, most fans came around. After the initial shock, many praised the new cast members for honoring the spirit of the characters while bringing something fresh to the table. In fact, some even argued that the performances improved in the final two movies — with more maturity, emotional nuance, and chemistry.
