It’s good and bad news for After fans this morning, after Prime Video officially released the fifth and final film After Everything, on streaming platforms. But did you know there’s actually a prequel called Before in the works? Based on Anna Todd’s novel of the same name, here’s everything we know so far, from release date to cast and more.
When was the After prequel announced?
Director Castille Landon confirmed back in April 2021 that a prequel to the After franchise is coming, in an interview with Teen Vogue.
“The After universe just keeps expanding,” she said. “The fandom, and how excited they are and their input, it really does inspire us all as creators every single day.”
The movie will be loosely based on author Anna Todd’s Before, which is also a prequel with a focus on Hardin. Castille continued, “He’s gone through a lot of trauma in his family life and in his relationships, and [we’ll] see more of that messiness before he meets Tessa, and how that experience changes him.” She also said it will be a “larger conversation” around Haridn’s trauma and experiences, with a younger version of the character taking centre stage.
What will the After prequel be about?
The book synopsis, which acts as a loose inspiration for the next After film reads:
“BEFORE Hardin met Tessa he was a raging storm. DURING those first moments they met, he realised he needed to keep her for himself — his life depended on it. AFTER they got together, the world would never be the same.
Hardin and Tessa’s dramatic love affair became a vortex pulling in everyone around them. For the first time these others are given voice as they appear before, during, and after the events in original After novels. Alongside them, Hardin’s account of his first encounters with Tessa—which will change what you thought you knew about the brooding boy and the angel who loved him.”
Who will star in the After prequel?
Fans can assume a younger version of Hardin will lead the movie, though it’s unlikely Hero Fiennes Tiffin will take on the role due to the fact he’s now 25. The film is also unlikely to star *much* of Tessa due to the fact it’s based on Hardin’s life before they met, but maybe she’ll appear towards the end. Anyone got any casting ideas?
Given the fifth film in the franchise, After Everything has only just been released, and there’s been no word on production for Before, we’re unlikely to see it on screens any time soon. But check back here for release date updates!
