For fans of the After film franchise, the release of After Ever Happy brought a wave of emotions—love, heartbreak, and plenty of debate. The fourth installment of the global phenomenon, adapted from Anna Todd’s bestselling novels, left audiences divided with its bittersweet conclusion. Now, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, who has portrayed Hardin Scott since the beginning, admits that even he was surprised by the way the story wrapped up.
In a candid interview, Tiffin revealed that although he had prepared for Hardin and Tessa’s turbulent journey, the final scenes still struck him in unexpected ways. “I knew the direction the story was headed, but when I actually read the script and saw how it all unfolded, it surprised me too,” he explained. “It’s not the ending people might have imagined, but that’s what makes it powerful.”
A Love Story Defined by Chaos and Connection
After Ever Happy continues the rollercoaster romance between Hardin (Tiffin) and Tessa (Josephine Langford), whose passionate yet troubled relationship has captivated fans worldwide. This chapter dives deeper into Hardin’s emotional struggles, exploring the impact of his past and how it continues to shape his future with Tessa.
The film’s ending, which avoids the conventional happily-ever-after, has been both praised for its realism and criticized for leaving viewers heartbroken. For Tiffin, that duality is at the heart of why the franchise resonates so strongly. “Life isn’t always neat and perfect,” he said. “Sometimes the most meaningful stories are the ones that don’t tie everything up with a bow.”
Behind the Curtain of Hardin’s Journey
Tiffin also shared that embodying Hardin across four films has been both rewarding and challenging. Known for his brooding intensity and troubled past, Hardin is a character who demanded emotional depth and vulnerability. “Playing Hardin forced me to go to darker places as an actor,” he noted. “But it also allowed me to show his growth, and that’s been an incredible journey.” While the ending may have been difficult for fans to accept, Tiffin emphasized that it stays true to Hardin’s character arc. “It’s heartbreaking, yes, but it’s honest,” he said. “Hardin has to face himself, and sometimes love means letting go.”
What Comes Next for the After Universe
Even as After Ever Happy brings Hardin and Tessa’s story to a close, the franchise may not be over. Rumors of spinoffs, including a potential prequel exploring Hardin’s youth, continue to circulate. Tiffin himself has hinted at interest in seeing the world of After expand, even if he won’t necessarily reprise his role.
For now, he’s content reflecting on the impact the series has had. “We’ve built a community around these characters,” Tiffin said. “Fans have grown with them, argued about them, cried with them. To be part of that has been an honor.” As the credits rolled on After Ever Happy, fans may have been left in tears, but Hero Fiennes Tiffin’s reflections remind them that the beauty of the story lies in its imperfection. Sometimes, the endings that break our hearts are the ones that stay with us forever.
