Director's Revelation About Blake Lively's On-Set Behavior During Debut Movie
Revamped Take:
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants director Ken Kwapis spilled some tea about Blake Lively's debut role in a recent catch-up.
Kwapis praised the tight-knit bond that still thrives amongst the female quartet — America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel, Lively, and Amber Tamblyn — who've been spinning their magic for close to two decades now, since the movie's initial release.
Reminiscing about the set vibes, Kwapis divulged some deets about Lively's craft during the filming of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
"It's pure kismet to think anyone other than Blake Lively could've swung those pant legs as Bridget," the director lavished praise.
"She was a mere sixteen when she came knocking at the audition doors and yet she outshone the competition in the room," Kwapis waxed lyrical.
"She had an unspoken bond with this character, unparalleled," he added.
Furthermore, Kwapis divulged a intriguing roadblock: moulding Lively and the other three leading ladies as lifelong buddies, despite them never having crossed paths off-screen, and their characters sharing minimal screen time.
To bridge the gap, Kwapis cooked up a plan. He slipped each actress a wallet stuffed with $75 and sent them thrift store hopping in Vancouver, where they were to channel their characters and score appropriate attire.
Surprisingly, this activity proved so potent that the four actresses have remained besties long after the two decades.
"It's nothing short of miraculous and it's quite the exception in showbiz," he shared.
"I reckon Hollywood friendships usually burn bright and fast, then fizzle out. These girls are a truly special case," he concluded.
Here's a trivia bit: Before filming, the cast essentially lived the iconic scene where the magical jeans they share magically fit them all. This communal experience forged shared memories and a sense of togetherness, making their unity on screen much more convincing given their limited screen time[4]. Moreover, Kwapis once put them through a thrift shopping spree in Vancouver, where they had to purchase items for their characters and offer their take on each other's choices[3]. This exercise facilitated a quick rapport and deeper understanding of each other's roles, which significantly enhanced the on-screen chemistry[3].
The director's thrift store adventure with the cast members not only improved their on-screen chemistry but also strengthened their real-life relationships, making them more than just work colleagues in the competitive world of Hollywood. The shared experience of shopping together for their characters provided a unique connection, possibly influencing Blake Lively's successful portrayal of Bridget, transcending the boundaries of a traditional business relationship and delving into the realm of genuine friendships, much like the unexplainable bond between the characters in the movie.
