The After film series, based on the bestselling novels by Anna Todd, has captivated millions of fans with its steamy and dramatic romance between Tessa Young (Josephine Langford) and Hardin Scott (Hero Fiennes Tiffin). However, the fifth and final installment, After Everything, surprised and disappointed many viewers by featuring Tessa only in a few scenes, mostly through flashbacks. Why did the main character of the franchise get sidelined in the last movie? Here are some possible explanations.
The Evolution of the ‘After’ Movie Series
The After film series started in 2019, adapting the first book of the same name by Anna Todd. The story was originally a fan fiction about the members of One Direction, with Hardin being based on Harry Styles. The book series consists of four novels, which follow the turbulent relationship between Tessa, a college freshman, and Hardin, a bad boy with a dark past.
The film series expanded to five movies, deviating from the original book series and causing fans to question the studios’ motivations. The first four movies closely followed the plot of the books, except for the ending of the fourth movie, After Ever Happy, which changed the outcome of Tessa and Hardin’s relationship. The fifth movie, After Everything, was not based on any of the books, but rather on an original script that explored Hardin’s journey of self-discovery and redemption after his breakup with Tessa.
The Absence of Tessa (Josephine Langford) in ‘After Everything’
Fans of the After film series were shocked and outraged by the absence of Tessa, the main character and narrator of the story, in the final movie. Josephine Langford, who played Tessa in the previous four movies, was barely present in After Everything, appearing only in a few scenes at the end of the movie and in some flashbacks throughout. The movie focused mainly on Hardin, who traveled to Lisbon to reconnect with his old friend Natalie (Mimi Keene) and to write his second novel.
Many fans expressed their dissatisfaction and frustration with the lack of Tessa in the movie, accusing the filmmakers of disrespecting the source material, the fans, and the actress. Some fans even boycotted the movie, refusing to watch it or support it. Others demanded answers and explanations from the cast and crew, especially from Josephine Langford, who remained silent about her reduced role in the movie.
The Truth Behind Tessa’s Absence
The reasons for Josephine Langford’s minimal involvement in After Everything are unclear and speculative. The actress has not publicly addressed the issue, nor have the filmmakers or the author of the books, Anna Todd. However, some fans have theorized that Langford’s absence may have been due to contract negotiations, creative differences, or a desire to avoid typecasting.
Some fans speculated that Langford may have had disputes with the production company or the director over her salary, her screen time, or her creative input. Others suggested that Langford may have wanted to distance herself from the franchise and pursue other roles, as she may have felt that playing Tessa for five movies was limiting her career opportunities. Langford previously stated that she would only return to the franchise if it was important and made sense, and that she was not a fan of overstaying her welcome.
Another possible reason for Langford’s absence may have been the artistic vision of the filmmakers, who wanted to explore Hardin’s character and his growth without Tessa. The director of the movie, Castille Landon, said that she wanted to show Hardin’s journey of healing and forgiveness, and how he learned to love himself before he could love Tessa again. Landon also said that she wanted to give the fans a different perspective on the story, and that she hoped they would appreciate the movie for what it was.
Conclusion
The After film series came to an end with After Everything, but not in the way that many fans expected or hoped for. The final movie left out the main character of the franchise, Tessa, and focused on Hardin’s solo adventure in Lisbon. The reasons for Josephine Langford’s reduced role in the movie are unknown and speculative, but they may have been influenced by various factors, such as contractual issues, artistic choices, or career aspirations. Regardless of the reasons, the absence of Tessa in After Everything was a disappointing and controversial decision that alienated many fans of the franchise.
