Netflix’s so-called Summer of Love was a big hit last year, but arguably the biggest breakout success of all was the charming rom-comTo All the Boys I’ve LovedBefore.No surprise then that Netflix is already putting together a sequel, but THR reports that the follow-up film is going to be missing a key element from the first film – directorSusan Johnson.
TheTo All the Boys I’ve Loved Beforesequel is recruitingMichael Fimognari, who was the cinematographer on the first film, to direct the sequel.To All the BoysscreenwriterSofia Alvarezwill return to write the sequel based on Jenny Han’s hit book series. Johnson will remain on board as executive producer.
Johnson said in a statement:
“DirectingTo All the Boys I’ve Loved Beforehas been one of the great experiences of my life, and I am grateful to the fans for their passionate support of the film… Due to the timing of my other projects I won’t be directing the sequel, but as an executive producer, I am looking forward to continuing to share Lara Jean’s story and being part of this franchise.”
Added Han:
“I’m so thrilled and thankful we get to keep telling Lara Jean’s story. I just know that the audience will fall in love with her all over again.”
Today also brings the news that few familiar faces in front of the camera will return for the sequel alongside starsLana CondorandNoah Centineo. Namely, Lara Jean’s adorable family unit is back!Anna Cathcart,Janel Parrish, andJohn Corbett– the actors who play Lara Jen’s sisters and widower father – are signed on to reprise their roles in the follow-up.
Netflix first announced the sequel in a statement late last year and notable, no mention of Johnson was made at the time. Now we know why. While I’m sad to see her go, especially after she pulled off such a charming, peppy reinvention of the high school romantic comedy, I’m definitely curious to see what Fimognari brings to the table as a filmmaker. As a cinematographer, Fimognari is perhaps best known for his work with filmmakerMike Flanagan, includingGerald’s Game,the stunning Netflix horror seriesThe Haunting of Hill House, and the upcomingStephen KingadaptationDoctor Sleep, so naturally it’s a bit surprising that he’s making his feature directorial debut on a teen comedy. Go figure!
Hopefully, this means Johnson has something exciting lined up as well, considering the phenomenal success of her direction on the first film. I don’t want to jump to any conclusions, but this certainly wouldn’t be the first time a female filmmaker translated a female-centric literary sensation to the screen only to be replaced by a male filmmaker for the sequel (see alsoTwilight, Fifty Shades, etc.) and it’d be disappointing if that was the case here. However, Netflix has a reputation for being a filmmaker-driven content creator so hopefully, this news bodes well for all involved and Johnson’s got such an exciting project on her plate, she’s just downright too busy for the easy charms of Peter Kavinsky.
