Lana Condor is returning to the role that launched her to global stardom, confirming that Lana Condor returns as Lara Jean in XO, Kitty Season 3. The move reunites Condor with co-star Anna Cathcart, bringing the eldest Song Covey sister back into the fold for the Netflix spinoff series set in South Korea.
The return marks a significant narrative shift for the character of Lara Jean, who had previously stepped away from the spotlight following the conclusion of the To All the Boys film trilogy. For Condor, the reunion is both a professional homecoming and a personal joy, as she steps back into a world she had previously closed the door on.
“It feels crazy to return to the role of Lara Jean after all these years,” Condor said. “After the three movies, I kind of said goodbye to her in a very real way, and so it’s such a joy to be able to arrive back and see Anna and see Anna’s whole world.”
A matured perspective on Lara Jean
The timeline of the XO, Kitty universe places Lara Jean’s return approximately four years after the events of the original films, a period during which the character transitioned into college life. This gap allows the writers to explore a more evolved version of the character, moving beyond the teenage angst and secret letters of the first three movies.
Condor noted that while the core of the character remains, the passage of time has fundamentally changed her. “I think she’s a lot more confident and more mature, but I also think that she still carries her sweet outlook on life,” Condor said.
This evolution mirrors the real-life growth of the cast. Anna Cathcart, who plays Kitty Song Covey, joined the franchise at the age of 14. Now leading her own series, Cathcart described the experience of shifting from a supporting role in Lara Jean’s world to having Lara Jean enter hers as “surreal.”
Reuniting in Seoul
The production has returned to Seoul, specifically filming at the Korean International School of Seoul (KISS) campus. This location serves as a thematic bridge between the original trilogy—which featured a trip to Korea—and the current spinoff. Cathcart remarked that returning to the city with Condor felt like a full-circle moment, noting that the last time they shared the screen was during the wrap of the third movie in Seoul.
The chemistry between the two actors remains a cornerstone of the production. Both Condor and Cathcart emphasized that their off-screen friendship translated seamlessly back into their on-screen sisterhood. Cathcart mentioned that slipping back into their dynamic felt as though “no time has passed.”
Beyond the nostalgia, the presence of Lara Jean is expected to alter the characterization of Kitty. Cathcart explained that the sisterly bond brings out a “childness” in Kitty that is not typically visible in her interactions with other characters in the series, adding a new layer of vulnerability and playfulness to the role.
The legacy of the Song Covey sisterhood
The To All the Boys universe has always centered on the strength of family, particularly the bond between the three Song Covey sisters. Condor expressed her early support for the spinoff, recalling her reaction when she first learned the project would focus on Kitty.
“I was like, good, that’s what it should be,” Condor said, describing Kitty as an “integral” part of the world they built. She added that seeing Cathcart step into the spotlight as the lead was a deserved progression for the actress.
The relationship between the two actresses also extended into professional mentorship. Cathcart credited Condor with teaching her how to navigate the industry, specifically stating, “I think she knows how to advocate for herself. She’s taught me how to advocate for myself.”
While the emotional weight of the reunion is evident—including scenes referencing their mother’s pride—the series maintains the franchise’s signature wit. In one exchange, Lara Jean asks Kitty not to make her “fly across the world to fix your life again,” hinting at the chaotic energy that typically follows the youngest Covey sister.
Production and Character Overview
| Character | Original Trilogy Status | XO, Kitty Status |
|---|---|---|
| Lara Jean | High School / Entering College | College Graduate / Mature Adult |
| Kitty | Youngest Sister / Support | Lead Protagonist / Student in Seoul |
| Setting | Primarily USA | Seoul, South Korea (KISS Campus) |
The return of Lana Condor ensures that the emotional anchor of the original series remains present as the spinoff expands its narrative. By blending the maturity of a college-aged Lara Jean with the burgeoning independence of Kitty, the series aims to maintain the heart of the original franchise while exploring new territory in an international setting.
Netflix has not yet released a specific premiere date for the new episodes, but the production’s return to Seoul suggests a commitment to the authentic location filming that defined the first season. Further updates regarding the release schedule and additional cast returns are expected via official Netflix press releases.
Do you think Lara Jean’s return will change the course of Kitty’s journey in Seoul? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
