For fans of the After film series, the names Hardin Scott and Tessa Young are forever etched in cinematic romance history. But even more enduring than the turbulent, passionate love story between their characters is the real-life connection shared by the actors who brought them to life: Hero Fiennes Tiffin and Josephine Langford. Affectionately dubbed “Herophine” by the fandom, the duo has become one of the most beloved on-screen couples of the modern YA era—and fans are still deeply invested in their relationship, long after the credits rolled on After Everything, the fifth and final chapter of the franchise.
In interviews, producers revealed that during the audition process, the moment Hero and Josephine read together, it was clear they had something special. Their dynamic was electric, intimate, and deeply layered—exactly what the After novels by Anna Todd demanded. One of the most compelling aspects of the Herophine phenomenon is the ambiguity surrounding their off-screen relationship. Unlike many co-stars who flaunt their connection for publicity, Hero and Josephine have always played it cool—avoiding rumors, maintaining boundaries, and letting their work speak for itself.
Still, fans can’t help but read between the lines. The way Hero always praises Josephine’s professionalism. The way Josephine speaks about feeling safe on set with Hero, especially during emotionally and physically intimate scenes. Their shared laughs, quiet looks, and mutual respect during press tours have only fueled speculation. After Everything, the fifth and final installment, marked the end of a whirlwind journey that spanned multiple countries, years of filming, and millions of fans. The film centered around Hardin’s redemption and growth as a man trying to win back the woman he once pushed away—and it gave both Hero and Josephine the opportunity to close the chapter on their iconic roles with grace.
For Hero, it was about showing the complexity of a character who had matured, who was no longer just the “bad boy” but a flawed man owning up to his past. For Josephine, Tessa’s evolution meant portraying a woman who had learned to love herself enough to set boundaries. Their final scenes together were emotionally charged, bittersweet, and true to the messy, magnetic nature of their relationship. When asked about the final days on set, both stars admitted to shedding tears. Hero called the experience “the end of an era,” while Josephine reflected on how much the characters—and she herself—had grown over the years. It wasn’t just a goodbye to Hardin and Tessa. It was a farewell to a shared experience that defined their early careers.
Hero Fiennes Tiffin has signed onto major projects, including the war epic The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare and the thriller The Climb. With his magnetic presence and increasingly diverse roles, he’s proving he’s more than just a YA heartthrob. Josephine Langford has also branched out, starring in Netflix’s The Other Zoey and landing roles in several upcoming dramas. She continues to impress critics with her emotional range and subtle strength—a far cry from the shy college freshman she portrayed in After.
The legacy of Herophine isn’t just about romance. It’s about two young actors who took a risk on a controversial, emotionally intense franchise—and came out of it as rising stars with a loyal, global fanbase. Their portrayal of Hardin and Tessa tapped into something deeply relatable: the chaos of young love, the beauty of redemption, and the pain of growing apart to grow individually. And through it all, Hero and Josephine stayed grounded, professional, and endlessly compelling. In a world that often demands celebrity drama, Herophine’s quiet connection is a breath of fresh air. It’s what makes fans rewatch the films, flood social media with edits, and dream about what could be next for the pair.
