When Netflix dropped To All the Boys I've Loved Before in August 2018, it instantly revived the teen romantic comedy genre. Adapted from Jenny Han's bestselling young adult novel, the film follows Lara Jean Covey, whose secret love letters to every boy she has ever loved are accidentally mailed out. The movie's breakout success turned its young stars into global sensations and spawned two sequels: P.S. I Still Love You (2020) and Always and Forever, Lara Jean (2021).
Finding the right ensemble was essential to capturing Han's heartfelt, witty tone. Casting directors and director Susan Johnson didn't just look for familiar faces; they searched for actors who could anchor high school romance with genuine emotional vulnerability.
The Core Covey Family
At the heart of the story is the tight-knit Covey family, navigating life and grief after the loss of their mother.
- Lana Condor as Lara Jean Covey: As the imaginative, introverted protagonist who writes letters she never meant to send, Condor carried the franchise. Before landing her breakout role, she appeared in X-Men: Apocalypse as Jubilee. Since the trilogy concluded, Condor has starred in the sci-fi action film Moonshot and the Netflix comedy series Boo, Bitch.
- Anna Cathcart as Kitty Covey: Cathcart plays the precocious, match-making younger sister who kicks the entire plot into motion by mailing the letters. Her sharp comedic timing and charm made her a fan favorite. Cathcart reprised her role in the Netflix spin-off series XO, Kitty, which follows her character's own romantic adventures in Seoul.
- Janel Parrish as Margot Covey: Parrish plays the responsible older sister heading off to college in Scotland, leaving Lara Jean to look after the household. Known previously for her role as Mona Vanderwaal in Pretty Little Liars, Parrish brought warmth and maturity to the eldest Covey sister.
- John Corbett as Dr. Dan Covey: Corbett plays the loving, supportive single father who tries his best to navigate raising three daughters. A veteran actor famous for My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Sex and the City, Corbett provided steady parental grounding for the films.
The Love Interests
Lara Jean's fake relationship with Peter Kavinsky spirals into genuine feelings, complicated by ghosts from her romantic past.
- Noah Centineo as Peter Kavinsky: Centineo became an overnight global heartthrob and the face of Netflix's romantic comedy revival as the charming, popular lacrosse player. Following the trilogy, Centineo starred in The Perfect Date, Charlie's Angels, and the DC superhero film Black Adam.
- Jordan Fisher as John Ambrose McClaren: Introduced in the second film, John Ambrose is the recipient of one of Lara Jean's childhood letters who returns to complicate her high school life. Fisher brought a theatrical charm and musicality to the role, having extensive Broadway experience in shows like Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen.
- Israel Broussard as Josh Sanderson: Josh is Lara Jean's former neighbor and the ex-boyfriend of her older sister Margot, creating immediate tension when his letter arrives. Broussard delivered a grounded performance as the boy caught between family history and new feelings.
Supporting High School Friends
The peripheral cast rounds out the high school dynamics, providing friendship and comic relief.
- Emilija Baranac as Gen: Gen is Lara Jean's former best friend turned rival, whose complicated history with both Peter and Lara Jean drives early conflict. Baranac balanced playing the antagonist with showing the vulnerability of a changing teenage friendship.
- Trezzo Mahoro as Lucas James: Lucas is Lara Jean's loyal gay best friend who received one of her letters, helping her navigate the fallout of her secret romantic history.
- Madeleine Arthur as Christine: Christine serves as Lara Jean's eccentric, unfiltered best friend who offers blunt dating advice from the sidelines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Watching the Trilogy
Viewers jumping into the franchise often mix up the viewing order or overlook key media. Keep these points in mind:
- Skipping the books: While the films capture the spirit of Jenny Han's novels, the books explore internal monologues and cultural background details that deepen the story. You can check out official details about the source material via Penguin Random House.
- Missing the chronological order: The trilogy must be watched in order (To All the Boys I've Loved Before, P.S. I Still Love You, and Always and Forever, Lara Jean) to follow the progression of Lara Jean's character arc from high school sophomoric romance to college decisions.
- Confusing spin-off timelines: XO, Kitty takes place years after the main trilogy, focusing exclusively on Kitty's high school years in South Korea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was any part of To All the Boys filmed in real high schools?
Production primarily took place in Vancouver, British Columbia. Exterior shots of the fictional high school were filmed at North Vancouver's Argyle Secondary School, while many interior scenes were constructed on soundstages.
Did Lana Condor and Noah Centineo date in real life?
No, despite their intense on-screen chemistry that convinced many fans they were a couple off-screen, the actors have always maintained a close, platonic friendship. Condor married actor Anthony De La Torre in 2024.
Why was a different actor cast as John Ambrose in the first movie?
At the very end of the first film, a different actor (Etherst and brief cameo stand-in Jordan Burtchett) appeared as John Ambrose on Lara Jean's porch. When the character's role expanded significantly in the sequel, producers recast the part with Jordan Fisher.
Are there any other spin-offs planned?
Netflix has not announced any direct sequels or spin-offs focused on the Covey family beyond XO, Kitty, though Jenny Han's literary universe remains a major focus for streaming adaptations.
