Ken Kwapis Reflects on 20 Years of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’ Timeless Message

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2025 signifies a significant landmark for “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” movie. This cherished adaptation of Ann Brashares’ 2001 young adult novel has stood the test of time, resonating with audiences due to its relatable storyline and the powerful performances delivered by its lead actresses. Alexis Bledel, Amber Tamblyn, Blake Lively, and America Ferrera, who played pivotal roles in the film, all went on to establish successful careers, making “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” a springboard for their screen success.

Significant recognition should be given to director Ken Kwapis, who skillfully shaped the performances of the cast for The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, ensuring they remained true to the original story. Kwapis’ impressive abilities have also left lasting impacts on both film and television, as evidenced by his extensive portfolio that includes episodes from The Office, Malcolm in the Middle, and The Larry Sanders Show. As a feature film director, Kwapis has brought projects like He’s Just Not That Into You, A Walk in the Woods, and Big Miracle to life on screen, among others.

In honor of the 20th anniversary of “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” Ash Crossan from ScreenRant interviewed Ken Kwapis. During their conversation, Kwapis emphasized the significance of selecting the perfect cast members for the film’s main characters and the enduring appeal of the movie. Additionally, he hinted at his role in the upcoming revival of “Malcolm in the Middle” and the spinoff series of “The Office,” titled “The Paper.

Ken Kwapis Reflects On The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants’ Staying Power

“There’s Always A New Generation Of Young Women Discovering It”

Ken Kwapis is as taken aback as anyone else that it’s been twenty years since the release of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. As he put it, “You know what? It doesn’t feel like two decades because the film seems to be attracting more fans with each passing year. A new generation of young women are discovering it all the time, which keeps it feeling fresh and vibrant.

The director disclosed that he had recently viewed the movie during a screening and Q&A session. He expressed his thoughts by saying, “Watching it with an audience, I was struck once again by how relatable all four characters are, and honestly, how stunning the film is. I’m not boasting here. The set design and cinematography truly create a captivating big-screen experience.” He further noted, “It indeed seems very timeless,” and added that “the storylines continue to resonate strongly today.

Absolutely, the credit for crafting those deeply relatable stories for the four young women goes to Ann Brashares.

Casting Was Key To The Movie’s Success

“There Was No Question In My Mind … Those Were The Four Actors”

The actresses who starred in “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” have managed to stay close friends throughout the years, making it intriguing to learn that director Kwapis found it difficult because the four women – Blake, Alexis, Amber, and America – hadn’t known each other prior to filming. Despite their limited shared scenes in the movie, the goal was to inspire the actresses to convey a feeling of lifelong friendship between them.

Initially, well-known actresses such as Olivia Wilde, Kaley Cuoco, and Misha Barton were among those who tried out for the movie. However, director Kwapis stated emphatically, “there was no doubt in my mind when I met America, Alexis, Amber, and Blake that they were the ideal candidates for their respective roles.” This was true even though “Blake had no acting experience at the time,” as she was only 16 years old during her audition. Nonetheless, it was evident to everyone present that she had a special bond with the character, making her an excellent fit for the role.

I personally found myself in an unprecedented situation as I embarked on my acting debut for a significant film that tackled heavy emotions. My character was grappling with profound issues, such as coming to terms with a parent’s suicide. The role demanded a great deal from me, but I managed to portray it with delicate beauty.

Instead of the bond formed during their performances being the most astonishing aspect, Kwapis finds it remarkable to this day that the actors have stayed so close. “I find it surprising,” he added, “because such strong relationships are not common in the entertainment industry. Typically, you work together on a project, and although you might have an intense connection for a brief period, you eventually go your separate ways. However, in this instance, these four women genuinely formed a genuine sisterhood off-screen.

The director thinks it was because the characters they portrayed in “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” were so different from one another that led to such an amazing chemistry. In his words, “If they had been more alike, there might not have been such a magical blend. However, each actress brought something unique to their roles, which Ann beautifully crafted, enhancing the group dynamic … each individual performance was impressive, but when combined on screen, there’s an extraordinary interaction happening that I can’t claim credit for.

How The Pants Became The Movie’s “5th Character”

“I Definitely Wanted To Give The Pants Their Own Life”

In essence, the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is composed of four young ladies, yet the pants themselves serve as an essential bond among them. As director Kwapis puts it, “Although there are four members in the Sisterhood, the pants themselves play a significant role within the narrative.” He aimed to “give the pants their own identity and storyline.” This was achieved through sequences showing the pants’ journey from one country to another, with contributions from composer Cliff Eidelman, who also created a unique musical motif to accompany the pants during their travels.

Kwapis meticulously planned how the trousers were portrayed on screen. He expressed, “The scene where each character tries on the trousers was crucial for me.” He further explained, “I didn’t want it to seem cheesy or spooky. I aimed for a very ordinary feel. Blake removes the trousers and passes them to America, who simply puts them on. There’s no obvious sleight of hand. There was some slight magic involved, but I didn’t want to make it apparent that a magical event was taking place.

The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants Took Young Women Seriously

“I Was Able To Relate To Each Of The Individual Stories”

Although “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” was primarily designed for young female audiences, director Kwapis found the script appealing due to its ability to resonate universally. As he explained, “When I initially read the ‘Sisterhood’ script, there weren’t many films available for young women that portrayed their characters as fully-fledged individuals. The movies being produced by studios targeted at teenage girls were shallow and overly sweet, to put it mildly.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve found that when I can truly step into a character’s shoes, the audience will find an emotional connection too. Regardless of whether the script revolves around young female characters or not, if I can relate to the core emotional theme, I believe it will strike a chord with viewers as well.

One aspect of the film that demonstrates its complex portrayal of young women is Bridget’s feelings towards her soccer coach, which Kwapis described as running deeper than just a superficial crush. Instead, he explained, “Bridget’s story is essentially about grief.” He further clarified that this narrative should not be mistakenly perceived as a tale of an affair with a soccer coach; rather, it’s a story delving into the themes of grief and Bridget’s struggle to cope with her mother’s passing.

Bridget’s dad isn’t offering emotional support; he can’t help her cope. Since there’s no one to guide her as an adult, I believe she expresses herself in ways that are harmful. Ultimately, though, the underlying reason for her actions seems to be her difficulty in dealing with grief effectively.

Ken Kwapis Reveals His Tricks For On-Set Success

From Not Saying “Action” To Creating A Certain Environment

It appears that Ken Kwapis has a knack for drawing out the best from his team members, as evidenced by his body of work. In discussing some of his strategies, he makes the process seem effortless: “I strive to establish a set environment where individuals feel secure, appreciated, encouraged to experiment, and valued.” On The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, he shared that “one of the factors contributing to the four actors having such a positive experience during production was that we fostered this atmosphere.

Director Kwapis prefers not to use the conventional term “action” when working with actors. Instead, he opts for a less formal phrase such as “Go ahead.” He believes this approach helps create a relaxed environment on set and makes the actors feel more comfortable. As for shouting “Action!”, that method doesn’t resonate with him. Although he acknowledges that other directors may find success with it, Kwapis prefers to initiate scenes in a more casual manner, saying simply, “Okay, let’s go ahead.

Kwapis Teases The Paper & The Malcolm In The Middle Revival

He Was Especially Excited To Reunite With Bryan Cranston

Kwapis has a full roster of forthcoming projects, with two being sequels or continuations of previous ones he’s worked on. One is titled “The Paper“, a spin-off from “The Office“, and another is a revival of “Malcolm in the Middle.” On “The Paper“, Kwapis has revealed that: “I won’t say much, except that Greg Daniels directed the first episode of the new series, and I directed episode 2.”

Meanwhile, across the country, nostalgia resurfaces, as Kwapis remarked, “I’ve recently completed directing a Malcolm in the Middle revival. It’s a four-episode limited series with the entire original cast, and it was quite unusual yet wonderful to rekindle connections with those actors and witness them seamlessly slide back into their respective roles.

Bryan Cranston also enjoyed the comedic aspect,” he added, “as he’s been known for his dramatic roles over the past two decades. Yet, whether it’s comedy or drama, his talent is unmatched. He’s truly one of our finest actors. I directed 19 episodes of Malcolm in the Middle and had the pleasure of directing Bryan in some outrageous physical comedy scenes. His ability to pull off such feats is simply remarkable.

Kwapis didn’t reveal any additional details, but he did hint that those hoping for more mischief from Cranston’s character Hal could expect satisfaction: ““You will find contentment.”

Kwapis Addresses The Rumored Traveling Pants Musical

“Nothing Would Make Me Happier Than To Direct A Wonderful, Character-Driven Musical”

2018 saw the revelation of a forthcoming Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants musical in production. Regrettably, Kwapis was not part of it. He expressed, “I believe someone was attempting to assemble a Sisterhood musical,” adding, “I can’t provide details about who or how, but I do know that there were attempts towards this. In truth, they would be fantastic for a musical.

He expressed his desire to learn more since he was intrigued by the concept when he first heard about it. However, given how lengthy the process of creating musicals can be, he admitted that it might still be under development, leaving him in the dark about its current status.

Kwapis has expressed his desire to work on a musical, whether it’s for “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” or another project: “There’s nothing that would make me happier than to direct an emotionally rich musical. I’m not particularly drawn to big spectacles, but I have a deep affection for musicals. The concept of characters expressing themselves through song really brings me joy.

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2025-06-01 18:11