Fans of Jenny Han’s heartfelt coming-of-age series have reason to celebrate — Prime Video has officially greenlit a finale movie for The Summer I Turned Pretty. The announcement comes right after the conclusion of the third and final season, confirming that Belly Conklin’s journey will not end on the small screen alone. Instead, it will receive a feature-length film treatment designed to give the beloved story a more complete, emotional send-off.
Jenny Han Returns to Direct the Finale
Jenny Han, the bestselling author of The Summer I Turned Pretty book trilogy and the creative force behind the TV adaptation, is stepping into the director’s chair for the first time. Han will not only write the screenplay but also direct the movie, ensuring her original vision translates authentically onto the big screen.
Speaking about the project, Han said, “There’s still another big milestone left in Belly’s journey, and I thought only a movie could give it its proper due.” Her involvement reassures longtime fans that the movie will remain faithful to the heart of the books while also expanding on the show’s narrative.
Belly and Conrad Will Return
Series leads Lola Tung (Belly Conklin) and Christopher Briney (Conrad Fisher) have been confirmed to reprise their roles in the movie. Both actors have become fan favorites over the past three seasons, embodying the complexities of first love, heartbreak, and the messy in-between moments of adolescence.
While the rest of the cast has not yet been announced, speculation is strong that Gavin Casalegno (Jeremiah), Sean Kaufman (Steven), and Jackie Chung (Laurel) will also return. After all, the Summer I Turned Pretty story has always been about more than Belly’s love triangle — it’s about family, friendship, grief, and growing up.
A Fitting End to Belly’s Story
The finale movie will likely draw inspiration from the third book in Han’s trilogy, We’ll Always Have Summer. In that book, Belly is older, facing adult choices, and coming to terms with the past summers that shaped her. The biggest question on fans’ minds is whether the movie will mirror the book’s ending — where Belly finally decides who she truly belongs with — or whether Han will take creative liberties to surprise audiences.
Either way, the announcement of a film reassures fans who worried that the series finale might feel rushed. A two-hour movie gives the story room to breathe, wrapping up character arcs in a way that resonates emotionally.
Prime Video’s Strategy
By extending the franchise into a feature film, Prime Video is signaling how important The Summer I Turned Pretty has been to its lineup. The series has consistently ranked among the platform’s most-watched titles, particularly among Gen Z and young millennial viewers. Social media conversations, TikTok edits, and fan theories have kept the show trending throughout its run.
The movie format also follows a growing trend in streaming: using films to close out hit TV series. Netflix did it with Breaking Bad’s continuation (El Camino), and HBO has hinted at similar treatments for select titles. For Prime Video, this ensures that the Summer I Turned Pretty fandom stays engaged even after the series finale.
Fan Reactions
Unsurprisingly, the reaction from fans has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media has been buzzing with excitement since the announcement. Many celebrated Jenny Han’s direct involvement, with one fan posting, “If Jenny’s directing, I know it will be perfect.” Others speculated that the movie could finally deliver moments from the books that were left out of the series.
Still, some fans are nervous about how faithfully the film will stick to the original ending. Will it follow the bittersweet tone of the novels, or will Han and Prime Video aim for a more cinematic, uplifting conclusion? Either way, anticipation is already sky-high.
When to Expect the Release
Prime Video has not yet confirmed a release date, but given the greenlight and the scale of production, filming is expected to begin in 2026. If timelines stay on track, the finale movie could premiere by late 2026 or early 2027.
Marketing campaigns are likely to emphasize the film as the definitive end of Belly’s story — a final summer, a final decision, and a final goodbye to Cousins Beach.
Why This Matters
The Summer I Turned Pretty has never been just another teen romance. It’s a story about family, loss, the awkwardness of growing up, and the nostalgia of summers that change you forever. By choosing to wrap up the saga with a film, Prime Video and Jenny Han are offering fans something rare in television — true closure.
For younger viewers, Belly’s journey has mirrored their own transitions from adolescence into adulthood. For longtime book fans, this film is a long-awaited chance to see the trilogy’s emotional payoff unfold on screen.
