The global phenomenon of the After franchise shows no signs of slowing down. Following the success of the first film, After We Collided brought fans back into the emotional storm of Hardin Scott and Tessa Young’s love story. Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin, who play the star-crossed lovers, recently opened up about stepping back into their roles and the challenges—and excitement—that came with the sequel.
Langford, who portrays the strong yet vulnerable Tessa, revealed that revisiting her character for a second time felt both natural and refreshing. “Tessa is growing up, making mistakes, and learning from them,” she explained. “It was important to show her evolution—not just as Hardin’s partner but as an independent young woman discovering who she is.” The actress highlighted how the sequel gave her more room to explore Tessa’s complexities beyond the relationship drama.
For Hero Fiennes Tiffin, who embodies the brooding yet deeply conflicted Hardin, the second film presented an opportunity to deepen his character’s arc. “Hardin is still struggling with his demons,” he admitted. “But After We Collided really forces him to confront them. It’s not just about the romance—it’s about whether he can change enough to make the relationship work.” Fiennes Tiffin noted that fans would see a different side of Hardin, one that balances his flaws with vulnerability.
The sequel also brought in a new creative team, including director Roger Kumble, best known for Cruel Intentions. Both Langford and Fiennes Tiffin praised Kumble’s approach, saying he pushed them to explore deeper emotions while still keeping the story true to Anna Todd’s original vision. “Roger wanted to capture the intensity of the relationship but also the humor and the lighter moments,” Langford said. “It gave the film a fresh dynamic.”
One of the major themes in After We Collided is trust—something both characters struggle with after the events of the first movie. “Hardin and Tessa love each other, but love isn’t enough if you don’t have trust,” Fiennes Tiffin explained. “That’s the biggest hurdle they face in this film, and it’s what makes their story so relatable. Every relationship has its challenges, and theirs are just amplified.”
Fans of the After series, affectionately known as “Afternators,” were eager to see the chemistry between Langford and Fiennes Tiffin reignite on screen. Social media buzzed with anticipation ahead of the release, with many wondering whether the sequel would lean into heartbreak or reconciliation. The stars themselves admitted that the ride would be turbulent. “Expect fireworks,” Langford teased. “But also expect growth.”
