22
Aug
Stars Power Sister’s Sequel
by Ashley Pierce
0 Comments | Posted by thatgirl in Amuse Me, Sit Back
In summer of 2005, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants opened in theaters to a modest $9.8 million. Based on Ann Brashares’ best-selling series, the studio expected to draw fans of the books, but certainly not fans of the relatively unknown cast. So why make a sequel to a film that only grossed $40 million? Well, fast-forward three years and take a look at the cast now. Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, Blake Lively and Alexis Bledel are all grown up and blossoming into full-blown stars.
Best known for her roles on General Hospital and Joan of Arcadia, Golden Globe and Emmy-nominee, Amber Tamblyn, was one of the more well-known of the girls when the original film was released. Since then, she has continued her jump from the small to the big screen, starring in The Grudge 2. She will next be seen with Amy Poehler in the comedy Spring Breakdown and recently wrapped on the remake of 1956 noir classic Beyond a Reasonable Doubt, starring opposite Michael Douglas.
At the time of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’ release, America Ferrara was only recognizable for her role in the critically-acclaimed indie film Real Women Have Curves. However, in 2006 Ferrara landed the lead in the ABC pilot for Ugly Betty, which has become one of the most popular shows on television and thrust this 24- year old into the spotlight. Over the last two years, Ferrara has been honored for her portrayal of “Betty,” including an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award and an additional Golden Globe nomination. She is also up for another Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, which will be presented at the Primetime Emmy Awards on September 21st.
In 2005, Blake Lively was a true unknown, considering the original film was her first shot at a leading role. Since then, Lively has become a household name as she has gone on to star in the hit series Gossip Girl, as privileged prep school girl, Serena Van Der Woodsen. The role earned her two Teen Choice Awards: Choice TV Actress and Female Breakout Star. Among her upcoming projects is the romantic drama New York, I Love You and The Private Lives of Pippa Lee, in which she stars with Keanu Reeves and Julianne Moore. (Lively will be back in the role of Serena in the second season of Gossip Girl premiering September 1st on the CW
.)
After making her television debut on Gilmore Girls in 2000, Alexis Bledel was by far the most recognizable of the original film’s cast. In addition to seven seasons on the hit show and several Teen Choice and Young Artist Award wins and nominations, Bledel also played a lead role in Frank Miller’s Sin City. She can soon be seen starring in the feature comedy The Post-Grad Survival Guide, set for a 2009 release, and is currently filming The Good Guy.
Despite the moderate success of the first film, with a cast that has gone on to become so accomplished in such a short time, it is no surprise that Sisterhood would warrant a sequel or that this time the girls would trump the pants. This is perhaps most evident in the films’ marketing and posters. The one-sheet to the 2005 film featured a young girl wearing jeans with a small picture of the four girls sticking out of her back pocket. This time around, the poster is composed of only the four girls’ faces. Though the jeans still play a central role in the story, they now function as a vehicle to connect the girls as they learn more about themselves as individuals.
In just a week in theaters, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 has grossed more than half of the original film’s total box office and will surely surpass its predecessor by the end of its run. While this film may not have seemed like a shoe-in for a sequel, a cast of smart, strong, and recently successful young actresses, is certainly luring young women into theaters. After all, those dirty old jeans may be so three years ago, but talented female role models will never go out of style!