For Hero Fiennes Tiffin, stepping into the role of Hardin Scott was more than just another acting job. It was a transformative journey that spanned several years, five films, and millions of fans around the world. As the After series neared its end with After We Fell and After Everything, Hero found himself not only wrapping a character arc but also closing a defining chapter in his own life.
Playing Hardin Scott wasn’t always easy. The character is raw, impulsive, and often self-destructive. At times, Hero had to tap into dark emotional spaces to authentically portray Hardin’s struggles with abandonment, trust, and self-worth. “There were definitely scenes that took a lot out of me,” Hero admitted. “Hardin’s pain is deep. He lashes out because he doesn’t know how to process what he feels. And as an actor, I had to feel that with him. It was draining — but also rewarding.”
What made it even more intense was the fact that Hero and Josephine were carrying the weight of a love story that had inspired millions. Their chemistry was essential, and their ability to capture the emotional highs and lows of Hardin and Tessa’s relationship became the heart of the films. As filming came to a close on the final installment, After Everything, Hero experienced a mix of relief, nostalgia, and pride. “It’s strange,” he said. “You live with this character for so long — you know what he’d say, how he’d react, what his flaws are — and then suddenly, it’s over. You’re packing up the apartment, saying goodbye to the crew, and walking away from a version of yourself that existed for years.”
For Hero, the hardest part was letting go of the bond he shared with the After team — particularly Josephine Langford, whose portrayal of Tessa was the emotional counterweight to Hardin’s turbulence. “We developed a shorthand,” Hero shared. “There was trust and understanding, and that made the emotional scenes more real. Saying goodbye to that dynamic was tough.” Though Hardin Scott is a fictional character, Hero admits the role taught him a great deal about himself and others.
Fans, too, have told Hero how Hardin’s story helped them reflect on their own emotional lives — whether it was recognizing toxic behaviors, seeking healing, or simply feeling seen. “That’s the beauty of storytelling,” he said. “When people see themselves in the characters, it becomes more than entertainment. It becomes personal.” Now that the After series is complete, Hero is setting his sights on new creative challenges. He’s already begun appearing in other projects — from action thrillers to indie dramas — determined to showcase the range he wasn’t always able to display as Hardin.
“There’s a whole world of characters out there,” Hero said. “Hardin was a huge part of my life, but I’m excited to take on roles that push me in new directions.” Still, he knows that Hardin Scott will always hold a special place in his heart — and in the hearts of fans. “No matter where my career takes me, I’ll always be grateful for After,” he said. “It changed my life. It gave me a platform, a family, and a deep understanding of what it means to truly step into someone else’s shoes.”
Saying goodbye is never easy — not for Hero, not for the fans, and certainly not for Hardin Scott. But with After We Fell and the final film behind him, Hero Fiennes Tiffin walks away with something far more lasting than fame: a journey of personal growth, a legacy of storytelling, and the quiet satisfaction of having brought a complicated, flawed, and unforgettable character to life.
