Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
I never saw an Asian-American girl be the lead in a teen movie before, Han says.
So for me, that is significant.
I just wanted them to be happy.
I wanted them to feel like the feel of the book was still in the movie.
I was really overjoyed when I saw the cut.
The spirit of the book was in the movie.
I found him really tender, which is like the book.
But I teared up a little bit in the scene with him and Lana in the diner.
I love the scene where hes in the background as Lara Jean and Chris are talking about Peter.
Hes just drinking this white wine and getting so emotional.[Laughs.]
Yeah, and I think that raising three kids by yourself three daughters takes a certain kind of sensitivity.
I thought that John did a great job displaying that.
Im like,Maybe …But yes, that is me.
I was sort of joking around but not really joking, asking the director what my motivation was.
To me, it felt a bit meta, as the author to be smiling at the actors.
They kept going, Guys, come on, more energy.
This is fun, right?
And everyone was so self-conscious to really go all out dancing.
I was like the mom coaching them, because I was standing with them the whole time.
or Lara Jean wouldnt be wearing her shoes in the house.
I was like Can you c’mon?
Can you yo take her shoes off because I dont think that would fly.
Wearing your shoes in bed, especially up against a wall, to me, is a bit much.
Im like, You just dragged these suitcases through these streets and now on your bed?
Its a cleanliness thing.
This is so affirming, because I keep the same rules at home.
But back toTo All the Boys the first books dedication is to your sister.
Can you tell me more about your relationship?My sister and I are really close.
Shes my little sister.
My sister gave her husband the couch, so could I sleep in the bed her.
Hes actually very accommodating to our sisterly traditions.
Also, Kitty [Lara Jeans rambunctious younger sister] is inspired by my sister in many ways.
Has your sister seen the movie?
What did she think?She has seen the movie, yes.
Kitty mails Lara Jeans letters in an attempt to set her up.
Have you ever played matchmaker?Me?
It was two different people in this dream, and I was trying to matchmake.
I dont do that in real life anymore!
Most people I know are either couples, or married, or happily doing their thing single.
I read that the books plot was inspired by you writing these very emotional love letters yourself.
You dont get to delete something in the same way, where its like it was never there.
When you handwrite something, youre writing your most raw, pure thoughts.
People were loving it, and laughing, but then I could feel my face was so hot.
I didnt realize until I was up there reading it that I was actually really embarrassed.
It was as if the emotions were as fresh in that moment as they were when I wrote them.
I never brought the letter out again.
I was just done with that.
People consider her to be the boring March sister.
I think people were really drawn to Jo, or even Amy, because theyre so spirited.
But I think Beth is spirited in her own way.
I was wondering, with a girl like that, whats going on inherhead?
I consider Lara Jean to be in that tradition.
Someone whos not quite ready to be out in the world just yet.
And at the same time, shes also really content with where she is in her own life.
Being Asian-American is obviously a part of my identity, but it doesnt encapsulate Lara Jeans whole identity.
I wanted that to not be the point of her story.
What did you think of Noah and Lanas chemistry?I thought it was really sparkling.
Thats the right word.
I was on set for all the house scenes, where it was mainly all family shots.
I was there for the scene on the racetrack, which is the kiss scene.
I felt like the chemistry that we see in them is really genuine.
Last question: Whats your favorite romantic comedy?Bridget Joness Diaryis probably my number-one romantic comedy.
I think it really does that balancing act where its funny and romantic, but its also really real.
Bridget Jones is not a joke.
Shes a real person.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
