Lana Condor is set to return as Lara Jean in the anticipated third season of the Netflix series, “XO, Kitty,” a spinoff from the beloved film, “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” which first introduced her character in 2018. In a recent interview, Condor shared the challenges of keeping her involvement under wraps and the joy of reuniting with former co-star Anna Cathcart.
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During a conversation with Entertainment Tonight on March 12, the 28-year-old actress expressed her struggles with deception, admitting she is not adept at keeping secrets. “I’m so bad at lying,” she confessed, joking about the immense effort it took to keep the news about her appearance a secret for what felt like “three years.” The pressure of guard duties intensified for the actress as she navigated the anticipation from fans and media alike.
Condor’s co-star, Anna Cathcart, who portrayed her younger sister in the original film, shared in the excitement of finally being able to discuss Condor’s return. “It feels illegal that I can talk about it now,” Cathcart stated, recalling how the production team took precautions to preserve the surprise, including using a pseudonym for Condor in the script. “We were being so careful, so I can’t believe that we can announce it.” The placeholder name was something “random” like “Emma or Beatrice,” according to Condor.
The announcement came on March 6, when Netflix revealed Condor’s involvement through an Instagram video featuring her and Cathcart on set. The excitement resonated through the comments, where Condor shared her enthusiasm with a flurry of heart-eyed emojis.
Reflecting on their time together, Cathcart remarked on the seamlessness of their reunion, saying, “Honestly, I feel like no time has passed. We immediately went back into that sister dynamic.” She added that the experience transported her back to her teenage years, describing it as feeling like a “time capsule.” For Cathcart, stepping back into the world established in the previous films was nostalgic and deeply meaningful.
For Condor, returning to this universe is equally significant. She expressed how witnessing the expansion of the “To All the Boys” storyline has been a unique experience. The connectivity between the original narrative and the new adventures in “XO, Kitty” offers a bridge between the past and present, enriching the viewing experience for fans of the franchise.
As preparations for the new season continue, excitement is building around how Condor’s character will be integrated into the storyline, and what new dynamics will emerge from her interactions with Cathcart’s character, Kitty. The series promises to explore themes of young love and self-discovery, building on the emotional foundation laid by its predecessors.
Fans have eagerly awaited updates following the success of the earlier films, and the involvement of Condor has reignited interest in the characters that viewers have grown to love. With the groundwork laid in “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” “XO, Kitty” aims to provide additional layers to the narrative, further developing the relationships and stories that captivated audiences.
The combination of nostalgia and fresh storytelling in the upcoming season suggests that both new viewers and long-time fans will find something to enjoy. As the release date approaches, all eyes will be on how this beloved character returns and what surprises “XO, Kitty” has in store.