Every once in a while, a YA story comes along that sticks with people long after the final page is turned or the last episode is streamed. The Summer I Turned Pretty is one of those stories. What started as a bestselling book trilogy by Jenny Han became a hit Prime Video series that introduced millions to the world of Cousins Beach, Belly Conklin, and the unforgettable Fisher brothers. Now, after three seasons of laughter, heartbreak, and more than a few debates about Team Conrad versus Team Jeremiah, fans are about to get one more chapter — a feature-length movie. The announcement sent the fandom into overdrive, inspiring everything from fan theories to themed halloween costumes based on the show’s iconic characters. When is it coming out? Who’s returning to the cast? And what kind of closure will it bring? Let’s dive into everything we know so far about The Summer I Turned Pretty movie, from release speculation to confirmed casting and the likely direction of the story.

Going From Page to Screen—A Wild Ride

Jenny Han’s kinda the queen of teen adaptations at this point, isn’t she? First, she dropped the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy, and those movies basically took over Netflix. Seriously, if you weren’t watching Lara Jean and Peter K. swap love letters, where were you? Now she’s done it again with The Summer I Turned Pretty—except this time, she took her books and stretched them across three full TV seasons. More room to mess with the story, play with side characters, and sprinkle in all sorts of Gen Z drama.

Now that season three basically wraps up Belly’s emotional rollercoaster, everyone’s been low-key freaking out over how it’s all gonna end. You can’t just fade to black with a group text, you know? Apparently, the plan is to finish things off with a movie. Instead of dragging out subplots for eight episodes, a film gives you permission to just go straight for the feels and tie a (slightly messy) bow on everybody’s story. Clean, no-nonsense closure—finally. Or as close as we ever get in these things.

Release Date: When Can We Expect It?

Here’s the straightforward truth: there’s no official release date yet. Jenny Han has been clear that fans shouldn’t expect the movie in 2026. She’s hinted that it’ll take longer, which means 2027 is the earliest realistic possibility. That might sound far away, but it actually makes sense.

Think about it. The series just ended, so the creative team needs breathing room to transition into a movie project. Writing a film script, casting confirmations, pre-production planning, and then shooting all take time. Add in post-production and marketing, and suddenly a two-year gap feels about right.

In other words, the long wait might be frustrating, but it’s not unusual. Big adaptations often take years to pull together. The upside? A longer timeline could mean more polish, more care, and a finale that feels worth it.

Cast: Who’s Returning?

The cast is the heart of The Summer I Turned Pretty. Without Lola Tung’s Belly, Christopher Briney’s brooding Conrad, or Gavin Casalegno’s charming Jeremiah, the story just wouldn’t land. Luckily, fans can relax: the central characters are coming back.

Confirmed

• Lola Tung will reprise her role as Isabel “Belly” Conklin. Belly’s journey has always been the emotional anchor of the series, and it wouldn’t make sense to move forward without her.
  
  

• Christopher Briney returns as Conrad Fisher, the quiet, complicated love interest whose relationship with Belly has kept viewers invested from the start.

Expected

• Gavin Casalegno as Jeremiah Fisher. While not officially confirmed yet, it’s hard to imagine a story wrapping up without Jeremiah’s perspective, especially given his central role in the love triangle.
  
  

• Sean Kaufman as Steven Conklin. Belly’s brother has been a consistent source of humor and grounding moments.
  
  

• Rain Spencer as Taylor, Belly’s best friend and partner-in-crime.
  
  

• Jackie Chung as Laurel, Belly’s mom, whose arc has added depth and maturity to the show.
  
  

• Tom Everett Scott and Colin Ferguson as Adam Fisher and John Conklin, rounding out the parental figures.

Of course, there’s still room for surprises. Will the movie introduce new faces? Could smaller side characters get more screen time? For now, we only know the core cast will be back — and that alone is enough to get fans excited.

What Story Will the Movie Tell?

The big question hanging in the air is: what will this movie actually cover? The series has already adapted most of the major beats from the books, though with some changes and expansions. So where does that leave the film?

The general expectation is that the movie will serve as the true finale, bringing the love triangle to a decisive close. Many fans are hoping (and betting) that we’ll finally see the long-rumored wedding between Belly and Conrad. The series ended on an open but hopeful note, and a film would be the perfect way to show what “happily ever after” looks like.

But beyond romance, the movie also has the chance to explore themes of growing up, saying goodbye to childhood summers, and the bittersweet feeling of moving forward. Jenny Han’s stories have always balanced swoony love stories with real emotional stakes, and that’s unlikely to change here.

Why a Movie and Not a Fourth Season?

Some fans wondered why the creators didn’t just make another season. After all, three seasons built the audience — why not keep it going?

The likely answer is pacing and storytelling. A movie gives the creators a chance to wrap things up in one powerful, emotional punch. Instead of dragging out the story with filler episodes, a film format forces focus. Every scene will matter. Every line will count. And for a story about choosing love, family, and the future, that kind of intensity makes sense.

What Fans Are Saying

If you spend any time online, you’ll see how divided the fandom still is between Team Conrad and Team Jeremiah. That debate isn’t going anywhere — in fact, the movie might make it even louder. Fans are already speculating about how the triangle will resolve, what the final choice will look like, and whether the movie will stick closer to the books or the series version of events.

There’s also excitement around the potential for nostalgia. Cousins Beach has become a character in its own right, and fans can’t wait to see the scenery, music, and summer vibes back on the big screen.

The Waiting Game

Until filming begins, updates will probably be scarce. That doesn’t mean fans won’t be watching closely, though. Casting announcements, set photos, and eventually the first teaser trailer will be major events. Given the passionate online following, expect every detail to trend.

In the meantime, rewatching the series or revisiting the books is the perfect way to keep the anticipation alive.

Conclusion

The Summer I Turned Pretty movie is shaping up to be both a love letter to the fans and a chance to give the characters the send-off they deserve. The release date is still a mystery, but 2027 looks like the earliest possible target. The cast we’ve come to love — Lola Tung, Christopher Briney, and likely Gavin Casalegno — will be back to carry the story to its conclusion.

More than anything, the film represents closure. It’s the chance to finally answer the Team Conrad vs. Team Jeremiah question, to see Belly’s journey come full circle, and to say goodbye to Cousins Beach in the way it deserves. With the show’s coastal style already inspiring fan looks and affordable jackets perfect for recreating those iconic summer outfits, the excitement is only growing.

The wait may be long, but for fans who’ve grown up with these characters, it’ll be worth it. Summer isn’t over just yet.