As most of you probably know, I am quite obsessed with the To All the Boy's series by: Jenny Han. It is my pick me up series, and I re-read it a solid three times a year. You all also probably know that it was turned into a pretty successful movie last August, and the sequel is in the works. I, for one, have a lot of opinions on how things are looking, and I need to get them off my chest. However, if you couldn't care less about this series, then this post is not for you. But, I hope some of you would like to share your opinions with me.
First off, people need to stop calling it "To All the Boy's 2." The name of the sequel is P.S. I STILL LOVE YOU. I think that people often forget that the movie sequel will be following the book sequel, and that is the title of the second book. Now this is no shade to people who are only fans of the movie and haven't read the series. Honestly, I am way past the point of caring whether people read books or watch movies, however, I do hope the movies stay semi-consistent with the books.
Now let's go to the main chunk: the casting. Jordan Fisher will be playing my all-time favourite character, John-Ambrose McClaren. I'll admit, when I first heard this news, I didn't know how to feel. I LOVE Jordan Fisher, I think he's brilliant, and I did enjoy the thought of having an often white fan-casted character being a POC. However, I'm not sure if I picture Jordan as John in my head. For context, Jordan just played Mark in Rent Live, and I think I just see him as more of a strong stage actor than a dreamy boy-next door type in a teen movie. I understand he has done teen movies before, but I'm not sure if he's past that point in his career. I think I will have to see the first look of him actually in character in order to make my final decision.
They casted Ross Butler from Thirteen Reason's Why as Trevor Pike. Now, I've got some things to say. I don't know why Netflix recycles the same teen movie/tv actors to be in everything. Butler was in Riverdale, then Thirteen Reason's Why, now this. Noah Centineo was in TATBILB, then Sierra Burgess, and now in a new rom-com The Perfect Date with Camila Mendes, who also stars in Riverdale. You see the cycle?! I'm just sick of seeing the same five actors in everything I watch, and I think if they had casted Cole Sprouse as John- Ambrose, which was an actual rumour, it would've been the last straw. I just need some fresh faces please!
Some more positive news, I am so happy that Madeline Arthur is returning as Chris, I think she did an amazing job. Also, Holland Taylor is playing Stormy! This is incredible news because I really thought that they might have omitted Stormy for some reason. I'm really happy that the retirement residence will still be playing a role. Also, Sarayu Blue is playing Trina! She is exactly how I imagined her to be and I'm so glad Trina is getting a significant-enough part as well.
Another big news moment: Susan Johnson, the director of To All the Boy's, will not be returning. Now this worries me, because she did such a good job on the first movie and I'm not sure if a new director will mean a new vision? Still, I am remaining optimistic that the new director will still keep the brilliance of the first movie. I really don't want this sequel to bomb.
This was a long post for something that may seem insignificant to a lot of people. However, I am a firm believer that if you are interested in something and you've got something to say: say it! If you are as obsessed with this series as I am, I would love to hear your thoughts. What do you think of all this news?
Emily @ Paperback Princess
When I had heard about this book series years ago, I thought it was going to be an extremely lame and cheesy book that I would never be caught dead reading...and then I had that notion about it and never looked at it again. When the trailer for the Netflix movie came out, I watched it and was instantly interested. And when I watched it, I loved it. So, now I'm definitely smacking myself in the head about my preconceived notions, and have been highly considering reading the series.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't worry, I love these kinds of posts...don't even get me started on Ella Enchanted, Jane Eyre, or Perks of Being a Wallflower!
Please do read the series! Yes, it does get a little cheesy, but it's such a fun read and the characters are so lovable :) I actually liked the Ella Enchanted movie on its own, but compared to the book, it did not do it justice. But Perks of Being a Wallflower was awful! Way too cheesy.
DeleteI don't mind aspects of the Ella Enchanted movie, but I can't think of it in any way as being related to the book, or I get enraged haha. And yes! I'm bothered by how Perks was as a movie because the screenwriter was the author of the book, and I've liked his screenwriting in the past.
DeleteI still need to read the sequel lol, but I know that while I did like the first book- I was frustrated and annoyed at Peter and Lara Jean so many times that I sadly didn't quite love it.
ReplyDeleteOh no! Well I can’t say that you won’t be any less frustrated with them in the sequel, then? They do have their ups and downs, but I think their relationship is adorable.
DeleteI actually really enjoyed the movie, and I hope the sequel is as fun :)
ReplyDeleteI a) haven't read the books and b) have never heard of pretty much any of these actors, so I don't really have an opinion on the casting - but I will say that sometimes odd casting can be a blessing in disguise! :)
I hope it is a blessing in disguise! Like I said, I’m not really mad about Jordan Fisher being casted, I think he’s a great actor, but I just think Netflix’s tactics of only hiring recognizable people to be a little exhausting.
DeleteEmily, I'm lowkey thankful for this post, because I've been so behind on updates about the casting and, apart from Josh's, I didn't know anyone else that had also been casted, and I'm actually super happy with all of them!
ReplyDeleteI am reluctant too about the director change, because the first movie was absolutely everything I could've wished for and I do have high expectations for the second one.
The change for John-Ambrose was a bit weird, because he shows up twice in the first movie. I've learnt not to judge a casting before-hand, though, because when Noah Centineo was announced as Peter, I was extremely skeptical and I ended up loving his performance, so I am hoping it will go the same for Jordan Fisher.
As for what you said about Netflix reciclying the same actors over and over again: man, I'm so done with that too. I feel like Hollywood only knows two Asian actors and those are the two guys who played Reggie in Riverdale. They could really be using all that money and energy to find new faces!
Exactly! I too was skeptical about Noah when he was first cast, so I am hopeful that I just need to see Jordan in action in order to fall in love with him. But the whole casting switch did just week a little weird! I feel bad for the original John-Ambrose. I totally agree with you on the two Reggie’s. There are WAY more young Asian actors out there.
Delete