Quick Read
- Jenny Han confirmed the movie script is finished but filming has not started.
- No release date has been set; the film will not premiere in 2025.
- The movie will conclude Belly’s story, exploring another major milestone.
- Significant differences from the book are expected, including new character arcs and time jumps.
- Jenny Han is writing and directing the film for Prime Video.
Jenny Han Breaks the Silence: Script Finished, Filming Yet to Begin
For months, fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty have been refreshing their feeds, hoping for a hint about the movie adaptation’s release. After the electrifying season three finale, anticipation surged: would the film arrive in time for Christmas 2025? Jenny Han, creator and author of the beloved series, has finally answered—though not with the news most were hoping for.
During a candid panel at The Wrap’s 2025 Power Women Summit, Han revealed the current state of the project. The script, she said, is officially finished. But beyond that, not much has materialized: filming has not started, and no release date has been set. “I just wrote it. We have not filmed anything yet,” Han stated, her tone both apologetic and determined.
Why the Wait? Behind the Scenes of a Highly Anticipated Adaptation
After season three wrapped up with emotional intensity and a dramatic time jump, fans assumed the movie would be rushed into production. But Han dispelled those hopes. Post-production for the series concluded only a month before the premiere on Amazon Prime Video, leaving no breathing room for a full-scale movie shoot.
In interviews with ELLE and Variety, Han repeated her message: “We don’t know when it’s coming out, but [it won’t be] next year.” The author emphasized that the extra time is intentional. She wants distance between the series and the film, both to allow the actors—especially Lola Tung, who plays Belly—to mature and to give the story space to evolve. “I always wanted some distance for the movie, so I’m really glad to get that breathing space,” Han said.
What We Know About the Plot: Milestones, Time Jumps, and Unanswered Questions
While exact plot details are under wraps, Han has teased that “there is another big milestone left in Belly’s journey.” Speculation runs rampant: will it be a wedding, a breakup, graduation, or something even more surprising? Fans have dissected every clue, from subtle Instagram posts to interviews where Han hints at another transformative chapter for Belly.
The movie is expected to build upon the third book, We’ll Always Have Summer, but the series has already diverged from the original narrative in several key ways:
- A Bigger Time Jump: In the show, Belly wraps up her junior year—unlike the book, where she’s finishing freshman year. This shift changes the emotional stakes and maturity of the characters.
- Belly’s Identity: Book Belly goes by “Isabel” in college; the series maintains her nickname “Belly,” subtly influencing her coming-of-age arc.
- Jenny Han’s Easter Eggs: The series is peppered with cross-references to Han’s other works, such as To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, deepening the universe for loyal fans.
- Conrad’s Mental Health: The show explores Conrad’s therapy and struggles with grief and anxiety, adding layers not present in the book. Expect the movie to continue this introspective journey.
- Belly’s Year in Paris: The series expands Belly’s study abroad experience from Spain to Paris, introducing new friendships and a romantic fling that shape her character.
- Steven and Taylor’s Romance: Nonexistent in the books, their tumultuous relationship adds drama and complexity to the adaptation.
- Jeremiah’s Academic Struggles: The series shows Jeremiah facing setbacks that impact his relationship with Belly and the Fisher family dynamic.
- Laurel and John’s Rekindled Feelings: The adult romance subplot brings maturity to the story and could influence the emotional atmosphere of the movie.
- Conrad’s Sacrifice: The series reveals Conrad’s quiet support for Belly’s decisions, a moment reimagined from the books to heighten emotional resonance.
Release Date: Not This Christmas, Not Next Year—Patience Is Key
If you were hoping for a Christmas 2025 release, Jenny Han has put those rumors to rest. In an October 2025 Instagram post, Han said, “I am very sorry, but I’m not lying to you guys… Not this Christmas.” With filming not yet underway, post-production, scoring, and marketing will take time. Realistically, the earliest possible release is late 2026 or even 2027.
Han’s deliberate approach is not just about logistics. She wants to give the characters and story the space they need to grow. “Getting the actors a little bit closer to adulthood” is crucial for the final chapter, especially as Belly transitions from a teenager to a young woman—a journey that resonates with the series’ core audience.
The Creative Process: Jenny Han’s Vision and the Cast’s Excitement
Jenny Han is both writer and director for the feature film, ensuring continuity and authenticity. The cast themselves remain in the dark about the storyline. Lola Tung has not yet seen the script, and Christopher Briney (Conrad) joked about staying out of the writer’s room. Han is fiercely protective of her narrative, a trait that’s earned her respect—and patience—from fans.
“Only a movie could give [the conclusion] its proper due,” Han told ELLE. She’s grateful to Prime Video for supporting her vision and is determined to deliver a final chapter that lives up to the saga’s emotional legacy.
What Fans Should Expect: Rewatch, Speculate, and Wait
For now, Cousins Beach remains a destination in the imagination. Fans can revisit the series, theorize about Belly’s next milestone, and hold out hope for a conclusion that brings closure and catharsis. Han’s slow, careful approach suggests the final film will be crafted with the same attention to character and emotion that made the original books and series so beloved.
As Jenny Han herself put it, “The Fisher brothers, Belly’s evolution, and the final emotional payoff deserve the same magic that made millions fall in love with the series.” The wait may be long, but the anticipation is part of the journey.
Jenny Han’s decision to take her time signals both respect for her characters and for the audience. By refusing to rush, she’s promising a thoughtful, deeply felt conclusion—a story that’s earned, not just delivered. For fans invested in Belly’s growth, this patience is a mark of care, not delay.