
Valentine's Day comes early this year: P.S. I Still Love You, the sequel to last year's Netflix rom-com hit, To All the Boys I've Loved Before (opens in new tab), hits the streaming giant on February 12. The movie reunites all our favorite characters, including Lara Jean (played by Lana Condor) and her younger sister Kitty (Anna Cathcart), who released Lara Jean's love notes, thereby setting up a catalyst for the dreadfully cute high-school romance between Lara Jean and Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo). In the second movie, their relationship will be tested by a guy from Lara Jean's past, John Ambrose (Jordan Fisher). John happens to be just as handsome and, presumably, as in love with Lara Jean (at least what I gather from the trailers) as Peter.
The big question, then, is Who will Lara Jean choose? Fans of the books (there are three!) already know the answer, but I'm waiting in anticipation for next week. I can foresee all the drama, heartache, and lessons about life and love that the sequel will bring. My expectations and anxieties about the movie are shared by Lana Condor herself, whom I interviewed following her appointment as an Aerie's Role Model (opens in new tab). "I believe [at least] two people will love it!" she says laughing.
For more of Condor's thoughts on the sequel, her Cinderella moment, and details of Noah Centineo's scent (yes, you read that right), keep reading.
Marie Claire: How was filming the second movie different from the first?
Lana Condor: With the first movie, we didn't even know if anyone was going to see it, it hadn't even been bought. We made it on a small budget. For the sequel, what stayed the same was the love between the cast and our love for the story. What is different is knowing that people are going to watch it. This does make me nervous because something we talked about as a creative team is that people hate sequels. But, if we can take certain things we know fans loved in that first movie and bring those into the second, and also be conscious of the readers of the books, then we did a good job.
The second film is the middle [part] of a fuller picture. You see Lara Jean growing up, and you grow up alongside her. I trust that fans will understand that part of growing up and finding your voice as a young woman is literally trial and error; we are not perfect. That's something we strive for in the sequel. I love the story, it's such a huge part of my life. Even if I wasn't in the movie, I believe in it.
Peter and Lara Jean release paper lanterns in the sky during the To All the Boys I've Loved Before sequel.
MC: Any Advice for people stuck in a love triangle?
LC: This is easier said than done, but you have to make the decision that's right for you and not what's right for the other person. You have to follow your heart and that's so difficult. [In P.S. I Still Love You] Lara Jean is in love with Peter, she can't even fathom that there's another guy, but then there's John Ambrose, who is the male version of Lara Jean. [The questions then are] Who do you have the most fun with? Who makes you laugh the most? Who helps you grow? My advice is to listen to your heart, listen to your gut a little, but mostly your heart.
MC: Has Lara Jean's style influenced your own?
LC: Lara Jean is much more stylish than I am. She puts a lot of effort and intense focus into her outfits. I am much more casual in my everyday life. I wear [sweaters and leggings].
Lara Jean and John Ambrose share an intense moment in P.S. I Still Love You.
MC: In the sequel's trailer, we can see Lara Jean coming down the stairs in a gorgeous blue ball gown—can you reveal anything about that scene?
LC: What's important about that dress is that is Lara Jean's "Cinderella moment." I nearly had a mental breakdown right before we shot that specific scene because it hit me as I was standing at the top of the spiral staircase that I never had a Cinderella moment in my previous works.
I also don't see many Asian Cinderella moments. It's always that blonde, blue-eyed prom queen that gets the big reveal...although Crazy Rich Asians had a Cinderella moment with Constance Wu walking through the lotus. It made me realize I, too, can have this one day. [So as I was standing there,] it hit me that this was finally my moment and I wanted to cry. That dress was so important to me—not just because it was so beautiful and fashionable, but it was like Omg this means so much to me and to other people. I never wanted to take it off, but they wouldn't give me the dress. I begged.
MC: We have to ask...what does Noah Centineo smell like?
LC: He's always really clean! He loves candles, so whatever candle he has around him at the moment, that's what he smells like. He has candles in his trailer, his dressing room, his house—so many. If you ever need to give him a present that's a good gift (opens in new tab). The candles he had on set were oaky, like rugged-oaky, so I would say he smells rugged and oaky.
Be right back, buying a candle to send to Noah.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for theMarie Claire newsletter.
SUBSCRIBE HERE (opens in new tab)
RELATED STORIES
Marina Liao is the former fashion news editor at MarieClaire.com, where she covered celebrity style (from Meghan Markle to Katie Holmes), fashion trends, and shopping advice, plus conducted original interviews with industry insiders. She's also had many opportunities to write content in other areas such as beauty, food, tech, and even home. Her previous fashion stints include POPSUGAR and Cosmopolitan.
-
The Jonas Brothers Were One Big Jonas Family in Hollywood Today
The Jonas Brothers also shared some MAJOR news at the special event.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Makeup Artists Agree—These Are the 10 Biggest 2023 Makeup Trends
Smudged eyeliner, underpainting, and bold blush are leading the charge.
By Samantha Holender
-
What I Wear to Work: Deborah Yager Fleming
The hotelier utilizes color coding to jumpstart her day.
By Sara Holzman
-
Anne Hathaway Says It's "Thrilling" to See How Excited Fans Are for 'Princess Diaries 3'
So is it out yet, or...?
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Lindsay Lohan and Amanda Seyfried Had a 'Mean Girls' Reunion and Discussed Whether Tina Fey Is Too Busy for a Sequel
At this point, this movie is going to be crowdfunded...
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Jamie Lee Curtis Would Love to Film a 'Freaky Friday' Sequel
Let's do it, then???
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
By Andrea Park