The closer filming gets to the emotional climax of The Summer I Turned Pretty, the more it’s becoming clear that this movie is affecting everyone involved on a deeply personal level.
And now, according to statements and reports surfacing on May 9, 2026, creator Jenny Han is reportedly struggling with the emotional weight of ending the franchise herself.
After weeks of set leaks, fan invasions, and nonstop online speculation, Han publicly pleaded with viewers to “protect the process,” explaining that disruptions on set have made it harder for actors to emotionally stay in character.
But behind that statement, fans believe something bigger is happening.
This isn’t just another production anymore—it’s the closing chapter of a story that defined an entire generation of streaming romance fans. And according to people close to the set, the emotional atmosphere has become increasingly intense as the cast films scenes believed to be part of the movie’s final act.
Reports suggest certain moments have required multiple breaks because of emotional exhaustion, especially during scenes involving Belly and Conrad. While no specific details have been confirmed, insiders claim the production has started to feel “more like a farewell than a normal shoot.”
And honestly, that makes sense.
For four years, Lola Tung, Christopher Briney, and Gavin Casalegno have lived inside one of the most emotionally obsessive fandoms on the internet. Their characters didn’t just become popular—they became emotionally attached to viewers’ real lives, relationships, and memories.
Now, all of that is ending.
Fans analyzing recent behind-the-scenes clips claim the actors themselves appear unusually emotional between takes, especially after scenes involving beach locations tied to earlier seasons. Online theories even suggest the production schedule may intentionally be filming certain “goodbye” scenes last to preserve the emotional
authenticity of the performances.
And perhaps the most heartbreaking part?
Everyone involved seems fully aware that there may never be another return to Cousins Beach after this movie wraps.
No spin-off has been announced. No sequel plans exist. And despite endless fan campaigns online, Jenny Han has repeatedly framed the movie as the definitive conclusion to Belly’s journey.
Which means the emotions currently unfolding behind the scenes may not just belong to the characters.
They may belong to the people saying goodbye to them forever.