For fans of the wildly popular After franchise, the intense on-screen chemistry between Hardin Scott and Tessa Young has always been one of the biggest reasons the films became such a global phenomenon. But according to lead star Hero Fiennes-Tiffin, bringing those passionate moments to life wasn’t nearly as glamorous as audiences might imagine.
In a recent interview, the British actor revealed that filming the film’s many intimate and nude scenes — reportedly numbering close to 18 throughout the franchise — was one of the most emotionally demanding parts of his entire acting career.
“There’s so much more that goes into those scenes than people realize,” he explained. “It’s not just physical exposure — it’s emotional vulnerability. You have to completely trust your co-star, the director, and everyone on set.”
Starring opposite Josephine Langford, who plays Tessa, Fiennes-Tiffin said that mutual trust between the actors was absolutely essential when filming such personal material. Without that level of comfort and professionalism, he admitted, those emotionally charged scenes could quickly become overwhelming.
Industry insiders have long noted that intimate scenes in mainstream romantic dramas are often carefully choreographed — much like action sequences or dance routines — in order to maintain both authenticity and actor safety during filming.
Despite what viewers may assume, the actor insisted that shooting those moments rarely feels romantic in real life.
“It’s actually very technical,” he shared in another interview, noting that scenes are often broken down into small, timed shots and mapped out in advance — making the process more methodical than spontaneous.
Still, Fiennes-Tiffin emphasized that these scenes play a crucial role in Hardin’s character development throughout After. Rather than simply portraying physical attraction, they are meant to highlight the emotional barriers Hardin slowly learns to break down in his complicated relationship with Tessa.
The actor also acknowledged that stepping into such a vulnerable headspace can have lasting effects, sometimes carrying emotional weight even after the cameras stop rolling.
As the After saga continues to maintain a devoted fanbase worldwide, Fiennes-Tiffin’s candid reflections offer a rare glimpse behind the scenes — proving that what looks effortless on screen often requires an extraordinary amount of trust, preparation, and emotional openness in real life.