The After franchise has never shied away from emotional depth, romantic chaos, and the messiness of growing up. And at the heart of it all are Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin—two young stars who didn’t just bring Tessa and Hardin to life, but evolved with them across every sequel. In After We Fell, the third installment in the franchise, the stakes were higher, the emotions more raw, and the performances more vulnerable than ever before.
But behind the tear-streaked confrontations and stolen kisses lies a more personal story—one about two rising actors coming into their own, both professionally and personally. In exclusive interviews, both Langford and Fiennes Tiffin opened up about what After We Fell taught them, how they’ve changed since joining the franchise, and what lessons they’re carrying forward.
Returning to these characters wasn’t just a matter of stepping onto set—it was about revisiting complex emotional histories. “We always want to make sure that we’re being true to where Tessa is emotionally at that point in the story,” Josephine explained. “By After We Fell, she’s not the same girl from the first film. She’s stronger, but also more confused in some ways. That’s something I wanted to show.” Hero added, “With Hardin, it’s all about internal battles. He’s growing, but still holding on to a lot of pain. It was important to show that tension—his desire to be better versus his fear of being vulnerable.”
After We Fell was filmed under extraordinary circumstances. With COVID-19 restrictions in place, the cast and crew relocated to Bulgaria, filming under a strict health bubble. “It was honestly surreal,” Hero recalled. “There were so many protocols—testing, masks, limited contact. It created this really intense, focused environment. We were all in it together.” Josephine echoed the sentiment: “In some ways, it actually helped. There were fewer distractions. We really bonded as a team, and it helped us dive deeper into the characters.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of the franchise for both actors has been witnessing—and embodying—the characters’ evolution. “Tessa’s growth mirrors a lot of what I was going through as an actor,” Josephine shared. “I started this journey not really knowing what to expect. By After We Fell, I had more confidence—not just in playing Tessa, but in owning my space on set.” For Hero, it was about learning how to channel emotion with subtlety. “Hardin doesn’t always say how he feels, so you have to show it with your eyes, your posture, your silences. That’s something I’ve really grown into. I’ve learned to trust the power of restraint.”
The relationship between Hardin and Tessa is passionate, but often toxic—a fact that both actors have openly acknowledged. “These movies don’t romanticize dysfunction,” Josephine emphasized. “They show how complicated love can be when people are still figuring themselves out. I hope viewers see the importance of communication, respect, and growth.” Hero added, “It’s been interesting to play someone like Hardin. He’s not a role model—but he’s real. And portraying his flaws helped me think more about emotional maturity and accountability.”
Much of the film’s success rests on the undeniable chemistry between Langford and Fiennes Tiffin—a dynamic that has only deepened over time. “There’s a level of comfort now that wasn’t there in the beginning,” Josephine explained. “We’ve worked together so much that there’s a shorthand. It helps us take more risks emotionally.” Hero agreed: “There’s trust. We can push each other to go deeper into the scenes because we know we have each other’s backs.”
