After premiered in 2019, it quickly became a global sensation — thanks in large part to the chemistry between Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin, who brought Tessa Young and Hardin Scott to life. But what many fans don’t realize is that Josephine wasn’t the first actress cast in the role of Tessa. In fact, another young star had originally been chosen — and even filmed scenes — before being replaced ahead of the film’s official production.
Before Josephine Langford stepped into the role of Tessa Young, the part belonged to Julia Goldani Telles, best known at the time for her roles in The Affair and Bunheads. The casting of Julia was officially announced in July 2018, and fans were eager to see how she would embody the quiet, studious freshman who finds herself drawn into a whirlwind romance with the brooding Hardin.
Julia had the acting chops, the rising star status, and a solid television resume that made her a logical pick for a character as layered as Tessa. She was involved during the pre-production phase and had even participated in table reads and costume fittings. At the time, producers spoke highly of her ability to bring Tessa’s emotional arc to life.
Though the official explanation given by producers was “scheduling conflicts,” rumors swirled that creative differences may have played a role in Julia Goldani Telles’s departure. The After team never publicly confirmed any drama, but industry insiders suggested that the actress may have had hesitations about the film’s direction or tone — particularly its romanticized depiction of a deeply intense and, at times, toxic relationship.
Whether or not that’s true, what’s clear is that her exit came at a critical point. Recasting a lead role in a film adaptation with a massive fanbase (thanks to Anna Todd’s Wattpad phenomenon) is never simple — and there was added pressure to find someone who could handle the emotional depth of Tessa while also connecting with audiences already deeply attached to the character.
When Josephine Langford was announced as the new Tessa in August 2018, fans were initially cautious. The younger sister of 13 Reasons Why star Katherine Langford, Josephine was relatively unknown at the time. But from the very first trailer, it became clear that she had something special — a quiet vulnerability, a strong presence, and undeniable chemistry with Hero Fiennes Tiffin. The on-screen magic between the two leads helped elevate After from a risky adaptation to a surprise box-office success, launching a multi-film franchise that continued with After We Collided, After We Fell, After Ever Happy, and After Everything.
Julia has never spoken in detail about her departure from After, which only adds to the mystery. However, she continued working steadily in television and film, earning praise for her performance in The Girlfriend Experience and other critically acclaimed roles. Some fans speculate that stepping away from After may have been a wise career decision — especially for an actress more drawn to edgy, independent projects than commercial YA franchises.
Casting Tessa was one of the most important decisions in the making of After. The character is the emotional center of the story — a girl torn between what’s expected of her and what her heart wants. She’s book-smart, strong-willed, but also deeply vulnerable. Josephine Langford’s portrayal of Tessa captured all of that and more. She gave the character a quiet dignity and made her transformation feel earned, not rushed. Her chemistry with Hero wasn’t just romantic — it felt authentic, like two people figuring themselves out in real-time.
Had Julia Goldani Telles stayed on as Tessa, After might have looked — and felt — completely different. Julia’s acting style is more subdued, intellectual, and introspective. While those traits may have added complexity to Tessa, they may not have aligned with the tone the producers ultimately leaned into: emotionally intense, highly romantic, and visually stylized. Josephine Langford, on the other hand, brought raw emotion, expressive vulnerability, and a natural on-screen connection with her co-star that fueled fan obsession. Sometimes, last-minute casting changes are disastrous. In this case, it may have been the franchise’s saving grace.
It’s always fascinating to imagine what could have been. Julia Goldani Telles would no doubt have brought her own unique flavor to Tessa Young. But Josephine Langford turned the character into an icon for millions of fans worldwide. Her performance helped define an entire generation’s understanding of passionate, messy first love — for better or worse. And while the After series has drawn criticism for romanticizing unhealthy relationship dynamics, there’s no denying its cultural impact or Josephine’s power in anchoring it all.
The road to finding the perfect Tessa Young wasn’t smooth — but ultimately, the decision to recast changed the entire course of the After franchise. Julia Goldani Telles may have been the original face of Tessa, but it was Josephine Langford who captured her heart, her flaws, and her fight. As the series closes its final chapter, fans can’t imagine anyone else in the role. And in Hollywood, where casting changes often cause chaos, this one turned out to be the twist that made everything fall perfectly into place.
