Exclusive interview with Anna Cathcart: the influence of k-dramas on “XO, Kitty” and who she leans towards for her character

Anna Carthcartthe protagonist of “XO, Kitty”has a lot in common with his character, which he has played since “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” in 2018. Like the youngest of the Song Covey sisters, the actress on the Netflix series shares not only her aversion to mayonnaise, but also the uncertainty of what it takes to grow up. In an exclusive interview, she talks to us about her experience filming the show and what the future holds.

Initially, Cathcart’s character was just the nosy younger sister who kicked off the relationship between Lara Jean and Peter Kavinsky.

Now it has been her turn to travel to South Korea and live her own love drama, as well as discover aspects of her that she did not know.

In this interview, Anna Carthcart tells us about the influence k-dramas have had on “XO, Kitty”, her experience living in another country for a few months, the unpredictability of love, and her special connection to the character.

“XO, Kitty” was recorded in South Korea, how was the experience of moving there for four months?

“It was amazing, completely different from anything I’ve ever experienced, to be able to be in a new place and for so long. It wasn’t just as a tourist and going to see places, but also getting to know the city and the different neighborhoods. It was a lot of fun and the place was beautiful. Some of my companions were locals, so they could be our own tour guides.”.

Did they help make the experience more special?

“Yes, definitely. I am very grateful to the entire cast. We had a lot of fun and became very close. Meeting outside of work also helped a lot to make the experience unforgettable.”.

Speaking of South Korea, something very popular there are k-dramas, have you seen any?

“I hadn’t watched many k-dramas before starting this process and preparing for the show. Jennie Han sent me a whole list of Korean series, so she can better understand the vibe and the genre. K-dramas have their own magic, because they are filmed in a certain way, unlike other shows. ‘XO, Kitty’ tries to be the fusion of an American show and a k-drama, with the kinds of moments we create. It was fun to see that and familiarize myself with the style of Korean series before starting filming.”.

Besides hating mayonnaise, what else do you have in common with Kitty?

“That’s definitely one of them (hate mayonnaise). I think we are both very passionate about the things or people we love. We have a lot of love for many different things. She is going through this new experience of being independent and learning who she is. I think that in the last few years, especially this last year, I too have been learning how to be independent and what this stage of my life is going to be like. So in that aspect, I can definitely empathize with her.”.

And how do you think Kitty has evolved from the “To All the Boys” movies to the beginning of the series and then to the end?

“I think in the movies she was very self-confident, she knew exactly what to do, and she was even a bit forward at times, especially with her family. At the start of the ‘XO, Kitty’ season, she still had that, but we started to see a different dynamic, between what her sister’s love life was like, rather than hers.

It is a very different position. At the end of the season, the biggest difference is that she is no longer sure of herself. She is no longer sure of love, because she is realizing that things can be unexpected or cannot be planned. And that’s part of growing up and it’s what makes love so exciting and beautiful, that you can’t always plan it. That’s a great growing up time for Kitty.”.

If you could, what would you have changed about Kitty’s journey on the show?

“I think they (Jennie Han and the writing team) did a great job of showing her process, so many different dynamics, bringing out different parts of her. Like the narrative line of the rest of the characters, although Kitty’s is the main one. It’s hard to follow so many story lines at the same time and keep the audience’s attention, but also keep it personal. I feel like they did a great job and I love the different dynamics.”.

“Xo, Kitty” marks a new stage in your career now as a leading role, have you received any advice on how to handle it?

“There’s definitely a lot to learn and this is a new position I’m in, even though I’ve been acting for several years now. This series has been a completely different experience, where you need new skills and I had to face new challenges.

I have received advice from colleagues from former productions and from different people in my life who have been in this position. I’ve been told to make sure I take a deep breath and take care of myself. Because it can be very exciting, but also overwhelming at times. Therefore, remembering that you must take care of yourself and know what you need is good in the midst of this.”.

There were many questions to be resolved at the end of “Xo, Kitty”, what can you tell me about what is to come for your character?

“Actually, I don’t know what may come, but I hope that we can continue this story. Right now Kitty is entering the unknown, she really doesn’t know what’s going to happen and I’m the same way, I don’t know what’s going to happen to my life either. I hope she continues to work on herself and give herself the space to figure things out, because growing up is very chaotic sometimes and there can be a lot going on, but if she can continue to explore that and give herself the time she needs, I’d love to see that.”.

Isn’t there a team you lean towards more, like Yuri or Min-ho?

“No… oh, this question is so difficult. Honestly, I’m team ‘whatever Kitty feels is right’, because she has a good instinct for following her heart, or at least she’s trying or learning to. If she continues to do that, I think she’s correct. Basically, I’m team Kitty, for her to work out the relationship with herself too”.

HOW TO SEE “XO, KITTY”?

“XO, Kitty” is available on Netflix from May 18, 2023Therefore, to see the new series you only need a subscription to the popular streaming platform.