Fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty were left emotional after the series finale, but the story isn’t over yet. Just hours after the last episode aired, it was revealed that Amazon has greenlit a feature film to continue the journey of Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah. The movie will serve as the ultimate conclusion to the beloved YA romance drama, bringing closure to Jenny Han’s iconic trilogy.
At the finale event in Paris, creator Jenny Han and the cast — Lola Tung, Christopher Briney, Gavin Casalegno, Sean Kaufman, Rain Spencer, Jackie Chung, and Rachel Blanchard — acted as though the show was wrapping up for good. But fans who attended the event at Théâtre Marigny were in for a surprise when a massive sign announcing The Summer I Turned Pretty: The Movie was revealed. Cast members Lola Tung and Christopher Briney even snuck outside to pose in front of the marquee, hinting at the continuation of the story.
Why Jenny Han Believes the Movie Is the Right Move
Speaking about the project, Jenny Han explained that Belly’s coming-of-age story needed one more “big milestone.” Season 3 focused on her growth and her complicated relationship with both Fisher brothers. In the finale, just as in the third book We’ll Always Have Summer, Belly reunites with Conrad — leaving Team Jeremiah fans heartbroken.
Han admitted that while she could have ended the show with a brief epilogue, she wanted the final chapter to have the time and emotional weight it deserved. The movie format, she explained, allows for a more focused and poignant exploration of Belly’s future with Conrad.
Han also noted that season 3 already covered Belly’s wedding storyline with Jeremiah, so jumping into another full season risked feeling repetitive or overstuffed. Instead, the movie will dive straight into what comes next — the joys and struggles of being in a relationship that has already weathered heartbreak and family complications.
How the Finale Set Up the Movie
The series finale took a different approach from the books in showing Belly and Conrad’s reunion. In Paris, Conrad surprised Belly on her birthday. Their reconnection was messy and emotional — filled with passion, awkwardness, and even a near-breakup — before they finally confessed their love.
Jenny Han explained that this scene was designed to feel “romantic and passionate” while also highlighting the risks. Belly knows that if she fully commits to Conrad, there’s no turning back. The weight of family dynamics and past mistakes hangs heavy on her shoulders. For Han, this bittersweet mix of romance and responsibility captures the heart of Belly’s growth.
The emotional reunion has left fans divided, but it perfectly sets the stage for a movie that can explore what happens when love collides with real-life complications.
Why Not a Season 4?
Some fans wondered why the story wasn’t extended into another season. Jenny Han explained that three seasons already felt like a natural structure for the series. Stretching it further would require unnecessary conflicts that might frustrate fans who just want to see Belly and Conrad together.
Still, Han promises the movie won’t be all sunshine and romance. “What happens when you are dating your ex’s brother? What does that look like?” she teased. This lingering tension ensures the film won’t just be a simple happily-ever-after but will instead explore how relationships evolve when love, family, and history are so deeply intertwined.
What Stage Is the Movie In?
Han revealed that she and co-showrunner Sarah Kucserka have already written material for the movie, but the project is still in its early stages. For fans hoping the film might premiere soon, she cautioned that it’s “too soon” to give a release date.
In fact, Han appreciates the delay. She believes part of what made the series so special was watching the cast grow up on screen. Lola Tung was only 18 during season 1, and Han feels that giving the actors time to reach true adulthood will make the final chapter even more powerful and authentic.
This approach means fans will need patience, but the wait may be worth it for the emotional payoff.
The Emotional Weight of the Ending
Jenny Han emphasized that the movie is not just about who Belly ends up with, but about what it means to grow up, make choices, and carry responsibility for those choices. Belly’s decision to be with Conrad is about permanence — about taking love seriously despite past heartbreaks.
Han wants the movie to give fans both the romance they crave and the depth of a true coming-of-age story. It won’t be just a tacked-on ending but a carefully crafted conclusion to years of storytelling.
Conclusion
The Summer I Turned Pretty: The Movie promises to be an emotional and powerful finale to Jenny Han’s beloved story. Fans will finally see what life looks like for Belly and Conrad after their reunion, while also exploring the complicated dynamics with Jeremiah and the Fisher family.
Though it may be a while before the film hits screens, Han’s vision suggests that the wait will be worthwhile. By allowing the actors and characters to mature, the story will capture the bittersweet beauty of growing up and choosing love in the real world.
For now, fans can rewatch the series, relive their favorite moments, and debate whether Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah truly deserved Belly’s heart.