The After film series is a set of young adult movies based on the worldwide phenomenon book series of the same name written by Anna Todd. The films starred Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin as title characters, Tessa Young and Hardin Scott respectively.
Beginning in 2019, Aviron Pictures began releasing film adaptations of the grossly popular young adult novels, After. The first film reaped close to $70 million at the global box office earlier this year. The second film, After We Collided was released in theaters and video on demand in the United States on October 2, 2020.
On September 3, 2020, it was announced that the third and fourth films, After We Fell and After Ever Happy respectively, were in pre-production. On December 18, 2020, filming for After Ever Happy officially concluded.
On April 19, 2021, it was announced that two additional films existing within the Afterverse would be turned into films. One would follow the life of Hardin Scott prior to meeting Tessa, while the other would follow the lives of Hardin, Landon, and Tessa's children, Emery, Addyson, and Auden.[1]
On August 24, 2022, the fifth film adaptation was announced, titled After Everything.[2]
History and Production[]
Original four films[]
On April 17, 2014, UTA signed to represent the screen rights for After. The platform included film, TV, digital, licensing, and partnerships.[3]
On October 16, 2014, Paramount Pictures acquired the screen rights for a movie adaptation of After. Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot would produce through their Offspring Entertainment banner.[4]
In October 2014, After creator Anna Todd stated that her first two picks for the role of "Hardin Scott" were Harry Styles (the inspiration for the character of Hardin) and Douglas Booth. She admitted that she couldn't see Styles in the role due to his kind demeanor. However, she was content with any other British native having the role. Her top pick for Tessa was Australian actress Indiana Evans, who was "cast" as the "original Tessa" in the Wattpad version of the books. In the end, she trusted the producers to cast the perfect people for the roles.[5]
On June 4, 2015, Paramount's adaptation of the film officially moved forward with Susan McMartin hired to adapt the novels for the big screen. Jennifer Gibgot and Adam Shankman were hired as producers.[6] Jenny Gage signed on as director of the film.
Mark Canton and Courtney Solomon of CalMaple Films and Jennifer Gibgot of Offspring Entertainment are producing, with CalMaple, Voltage Pictures, and Diamond Film Productions financing the film. Aron Levitz, Anna Todd, and Dennis Pelino are also producing. Meadow Williams and Swen Temmel are executive producing, along with Adam Shankman, Nicolas Chartier, Jonathan Deckter, Scott Karol and Eric Lehrman.[7]
On May 8, 2018, Julia Goldani Telles and Hero Fiennes Tiffin were cast in the main roles of Tessa Young and Hardin Scott. The actors were picked by production members alongside Anna Todd herself, who was present at the castings but did not make the final casting decisions. In July 2018, Telles announced her exit from the film due to scheduling conflicts. In the same month, the role of Tessa Young was recast to Josephine Langford.
On July 23, 2018, it was announced that Aviron Pictures had acquired the US distribution rights to After. CalMaple Films’ Courtney Solomon and Mark Canton were set to produce with Offspring Entertainment’s Jennifer Gibgot, Anna Todd, Dennis Pelino, and Wattpad’s Aron Levitz. Offspring’s Adam Shankman executive produced alongside Scott Karol, Nicolas Chartier, Jonathan Deckter, Meadow Williams, Swen Temmel, and Eric Lehrman. The film was given a release date of April 12, 2019.[8] Aviron Pictures will distribute the film domestically, with Voltage Pictures handling foreign distribution.
On May 19, 2019, it was confirmed that a sequel was planned with Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin reprising their roles as Tessa Young and Hardin Scott respectively had been greenlit. It would be based on the novel, "After We Collided".[9] Complete production for "After We Collided" ended on January 28, 2020,[10] with rumors of two additional films being in the works.[11]
On September 3, 2020, it was confirmed that the third and fourth books would be adapted into films. Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin are set to reprise their roles as Tessa Young and Hardin Scott. The two films had entered pre-production.[12]
Dual film extensions[]
On April 19, 2021, it was announced that two additional films existing within the Afterverse would be turned into films. One would be a loose adaptation of Anna Todd's novel, "Before", which would expand on the trauma that Hardin felt and his dynamic family life. Due to the vastly younger role, Hero Fiennes Tiffin won't reprise his role as Hardin Scott.[1]
The second film announced is a sequel to the After series and focuses on Hardin and Tessa's children, Auden and Emery, as well as, their cousin Addy. The character of Hardin and Tessa will appear as supporting characters.[1]
Fifth film[]
Directors[]
On November 28, 2017, it was announced that Jenny Gage had signed onto the project as a director.[13] She directed and produced the first movie, After. Gage was heavily involved in the production and adaptation of the novel into a movie. She worked alongside a team of writers to adapt the novel into a screenplay. She was also involved in casting and described the casting process as, "long" because they all knew the type of person they wanted to fulfill the role. Her vision for the movie was showing a female's perspective of a coming-of-age love story.[14]
On August 7, 2019, it was announced that Roger Kumble had signed onto direct the second movie, After We Collided. He replaced former director, Jenny Gage.[15]
On September 9, 2020, it was announced that Castille Landon had been selected as the director for the final two films in the franchise, After We Fell and After Ever Happy. She replaced former director Roger Kumble.[16]
On April 19, 2021, Castille Landon confirmed that she would return as the director of both the After prequel and sequel.[1]
Screenwriting[]
On June 4, 2015, Paramount's adaptation of the film officially moved forward with Susan McMartin hired to adapt the novels for the big screen. Susan McMartin left the project in mid-2017 and Paramount Pictures rights were discontinued. CalMaple Media and Offspring Entertainment then acquired rights to the After film. Tamara Chestna was hired to update on McMartin's script. Director Jenny Gage was also responsible for the final revisions of the script.[17]
The screenwriting process for After We Collided was exponentially different from that of the first film. Anna Todd and Mario Celya were the only writers for the script.
Sharon Soboil wrote the scripts for both After We Fell and After Ever Happy.
Castille Landon wrote the scripts for both the After prequel and sequels.[1]
Films[]
| Image | Title | Released | Director | Screenplay | Box Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
After | April 12, 2019 | Jenny Gage | Susan McMartin & Tamara Cheston | $69.5M, USD |
|
After We Collided | October 23, 2020 | Roger Kumble | Anna Todd & Mario Celya | $48M (total) |
|
After We Fell | September 30, 2021 | Castille Landon | Sharon Soboil | $21.6M (total) |
|
After Ever Happy | September 7, 2022 | Castille Landon | Sharon Soboil | $18.8M (total) |
|
After Everything | September 13, 2023 | Castille Landon | Castille Landon | TBA |
| Untitled After Prequel | TBA | Castille Landon | Castille Landon | TBA | |
| Untitled After Sequel | TBA | Castille Landon | Castille Landon | TBA |
Cast[]
After[]
- Josephine Langford as Tessa Young
- Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Hardin Scott
- Dylan Arnold as Noah Porter
- Shane Paul McGhie as Landon Gibson
- Pia Mia as Tristan
- Inanna Sarkis as Molly Samuels
- Khadijha Red Thunder as Steph Jones
- Selma Blair as Carol Young
- Samuel Larsen as Zed Evans
- Swen Temmel as Jace
- Jennifer Beals as Karen Scott
- Peter Gallagher as Ken Scott
- Meadow Williams as Professor Soto
On May 8, 2018, British actor Hero Fiennes Tiffin was cast to portray "Hardin Scott". Julia Goldani Telles was cast as heroine "Tessa Young".[18]
On July 6, 2018, Julia Goldani Telles dropped out of the film due to "scheduling conflicts". She left the project on good terms, however, she dropped out two weeks before production beginning.[19]
Three days later, on July 9, Australian actress Josephine Langford was recast as Tessa, "a dedicated student, dutiful daughter, and loyal girlfriend to her high school sweetheart. When she enters her first year of university with grand ambitions for her future, her guarded world opens up when she meets the dark and mysterious Hardin Scott".[20]
On July 18, 2018, Shane Paul McGhie and Khadijha Red Thunder was cast in the film. McGhie will play Landon Gibson, "a freshman who becomes the best friend and confidante of Tessa". Red Thunder is Steph Jones, "the beautiful and edgy college roommate of Tessa Young who introduces her to Hardin and the rowdy friend group she becomes entangled with". Swen Temmel was cast as Jace and Pia Mia as a gender-bent Tristan.[21]
On July 27, 2018, Jennifer Beals and Peter Gallagher signed onto the film. Gallagher will play Ken Scott, Hardin’s father and the chancellor of the university Hardin and Tessa attend. He and his son have a rocky relationship stemming from something traumatic that happened during Hardin’s childhood. Beals will play Karen Gibson, "the mother of Landon" (Shane Paul McGhie), "who marries Ken and develops a close relationship with Tessa, and who also wants to help Ken mend his relationship with Hardin".[22]
On July 30, 2018, Selma Blair signed onto the film as Carol Young, "Tessa’s protective mom, who disapproves of her relationship with Hardin which creates conflict in their relationship".[23] Dylan Arnold was also cast as Noah Porter, "Tessa's sweet high school boyfriend".[24]After We Collided[]
Due to scheduling conflicts, recasts, and new cast members, multiple changes were made to the cast list.
- Josephine Langford as Tessa Young
- Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Hardin Scott
- John Jackson Hunter as Young Hardin Scott
- Dylan Sprouse as Trevor Matthews
- Selma Blair as Carol Young
- Candice King as Kimberly
- Charlie Weber as Christian Vance
- Max Ragone as Smith Vance
- Louise Lombard as Trish Daniels
- Shane Paul McGhie as Landon Gibson
- Rob Estes as Ken Scott
- Karimah Westbrook as Karen Scott
- Khadijha Red Thunder as Steph Jones
- Samuel Larsen as Zed Evans
- Inanna Sarkis as Molly Samuels
- Pia Mia as Tristan
- Dylan Arnold as Noah Porter
- Stefan Rollins as Richard Young
On August 5, 2019, Dylan Sprouse was cast as Trevor Matthews, "a co-worker of Tessa's who harbors feelings for her".
On August 14, 2019, John Jackson Hunter joined the cast as Young Hardin Scott.[25]
On August 15, 2019, Max Ragone (Smith Vance), Charlie Weber (Christian Vance), Louise Lombard (Trish Daniels), and Candice King (Kimberly) were announced to round out the cast.[26]
Due to scheduling conflicts, the role of Ken Scott had to be recast. On August 15, 2019, Rob Estes was announced to be the new Ken.[27]
Due to scheduling conflicts, the role of Karen Scott had to be recast. On August 15, 2019, Karimah Westbrook was announced to be the new Karen.[28]After We Fell[]
Due to scheduling conflicts, recasts, and the new cast members, multiple changes were made to the cast list.
- Josephine Langford as Tessa Young
- Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Hardin Scott
- Chance Perdomo as Landon Gibson
- Louise Lombard as Trish Daniels
- Arielle Kebbel as Kimberly
- Stephen Moyer as Christian Vance
- Mira Sorvino as Carol Young
- Rob Estes as Ken Scott
- Carter Jenkins as Robert
- Frances Turner as Karen Scott
- Kiana Madeira as Nora
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, production for the final two films took place in Sofia, Bulgaria. This limited the travel ability of some cast members, and created scheduling conflicts for others. Several cast changes were forced to take place.
On October 6, 2020, Shane Paul McGhie announced his official exit from the After film series in an Instagram post to his followers. He stated that he and production failed to reach an agreement so he chose to leave the project on his own terms.[29] Two days later on October 8, 2020, the official Instagram account for After confirmed that Shane had exited the project. They announced that Chance Perdomo was now portraying Landon Gibson.[30]
In the same post on October 8, 2020, it was announced the Arielle Kebbel would be taking over as Kimberly, a role that was previously portrayed by Candice King.[30] Though not confirmed, it can be presumed that Candice's late term pregnancy prevented her from flying to Bulgaria in the middle of a health crisis.
Another recast included Stephen Moyer as Christian Vance, a role that was previously portrayed by Charlie Weber.[30]
Due to scheduling conflicts, Karimah Westbrook had to exit the final two films. Frances Turner will now portray the role of Karen Scott.[31]
Finally, Mira Sorvino will now portray the role of Carol Young.[30] While not directly confirmed, it can be presumed that Selma Blair's ongoing battle with MS prevented her from flying, which sparked the role to be recast.
New additions to the cast included Carter Jenkins as Robert and Kiana Madeira as Nora.After Every Happy[]
- Josephine Langford as Tessa Young
- Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Hardin Scott
- Louise Lombard as Trish Daniels
- Rob Estes as Ken Scott
- Chance Perdomo as Landon Gibson
- Frances Turner as Karen Scott
- Kiana Madeira as Nora
- Anton Kottas as Smith Vance
- Arielle Kebbel as Kimberly
- Stephen Moyer as Christian Vance
- Mira Sorvino as Carol Young
After Everything[]
Other Adaptations[]
- A live-action adaptation of Before was spoken about but most likely won't happen due to how much After stars Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin have already changed between After and After We Collided.
- A live-action adaptation of Nothing Less and Nothing More was brought up when Castille Landon expressed interest in directing the movies.[32]
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 https://www.teenvogue.com/story/after-movie-series-hardin-prequel-next-generation-sequel-exclusive
- ↑ Twitter: [https://twitter.com/aftermovie/status/1562506273509236736 @Aftermovie "Hessa's story isn't over"
- ↑ https://deadline.com/2014/04/uta-signs-wattpads-breakout-novel-after-716161/
- ↑ https://deadline.com/2014/10/after-movie-rights-wattpad-book-anna-todd-paramount-852926/
- ↑ https://www.eonline.com/news/590983/harry-styles-fan-fiction-author-calls-after-the-vanilla-version-of-fifty-shades-of-grey
- ↑ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/one-direction-inspired-fan-fic-800189
- ↑ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/julia-goldani-telles-hero-fiennes-tiffin-join-romantic-ya-film-1109928
- ↑ https://deadline.com/2018/07/after-movie-anna-todd-release-date-aviron-pictures-deal-1202431754/
- ↑ https://deadline.com/2019/05/after-sequel-josephine-langford-hero-fiennes-tiffin-anna-todd-voltage-cannes-1202618418/
- ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/B75DsZEpkIl/?igshid=kszecymfcq22
- ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/B74tRm9A4g4/
- ↑ https://twitter.com/aftermovie/status/1301550523120865282
- ↑ https://twitter.com/annatodd/status/935635813504823297
- ↑ https://lrmonline.com/news/after-interview-director-jenny-gage/
- ↑ https://deadline.com/2019/08/dylan-sprouse-after-we-collided-roger-kumble-directing-after-sequel-1202663658/
- ↑ https://deadline.com/2020/09/after-sequels-after-well-after-ever-happy-in-production-1234573081/
- ↑ https://screencraft.org/2018/04/05/interview-screenwriter-producder-tamara-chestna/
- ↑ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/julia-goldani-telles-hero-fiennes-tiffin-join-romantic-ya-film-1109928
- ↑ https://www.ibtimes.com/anna-todds-after-movie-loses-its-tessa-role-recast-2697939
- ↑ https://deadline.com/2018/07/after-josephine-langford-tessa-anna-todd-novel-heroine-hero-fiennes-tiffin-swen-temmel-1202423612/
- ↑ https://deadline.com/2018/07/after-shane-paul-mcghie-khadijha-red-thunder-anna-todd-novel-1202429097/
- ↑ https://deadline.com/2018/07/peter-gallagher-jennifer-beals-after-movie-cast-anna-todd-1202435191/
- ↑ https://deadline.com/2018/07/selma-blair-after-movie-cast-anna-todd-1202436947/
- ↑ https://twitter.com/afternews/status/1022981721929777152
- ↑ https://twitter.com/aftermovie/status/1161710797715902464
- ↑ https://deadline.com/2019/08/after-we-collided-cast-candice-king-charlie-weber-louise-lombard-anna-todd-after-sequel-1202668712/
- ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/B1L5b3MgN_b/
- ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/B1L5tl9g1Ld/
- ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/CF-zLZAFFoa/
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 30.3 https://www.instagram.com/p/CGD2rERgoOw/
- ↑ https://deadline.com/2020/10/stephen-moyer-mira-sorvino-chance-perdomo-after-movie-sequels-1234594858/
- ↑ https://twitter.com/castillelandon/status/1353115478194065408