The Summer I Turned Pretty star and creator reveal why Belly choosing herself was also a great ending

The Summer I Turned Pretty is a moving story and summer feeling that immediately became popular among audiences after its June 2022 release on Prime Video. The coming-of-age romance of the teen genre explores and dwells upon intricate relationships and plot twists, which were based on a bestselling trilogy of novels by Jenny Han.

Lola Tung plays Isabel “Belly” Conklin, a key character. During her changing summer, Belly struggles with love, friendships, and family. Her path involves a romantic triangle with Conrad and Jeremiah as she realizes her individuality and power.

Fans disagreed on which brother Belly would choose in the finale. However, the creator and the cast said an ending where Belly selects herself would have been equally effective, stressing personal growth and individuality.

More about Belly and The Summer I Turned Pretty

The Summer I Turned Pretty's makers say Belly's romantic decision was key, but her self-discovery is the story's heart. Belly chooses Conrad in the show's denouement, following the book trilogy. This satisfied many viewers who had followed Belly and Conrad's slow-burning relationship since season one.

However, the producers acknowledged that an alternate conclusion where Belly selects neither Conrad nor Jeremiah would have been significant. Belly would prioritize her growth, goals, and individuality over a love connection in this version. It would emphasize self-love and freedom, especially throughout adolescence, to young viewers.

Jenny Han, who wrote and developed the series, said Belly's path has always been about self-discovery as much as love. Belly's self-choice would symbolize empowerment, and that sometimes the best ending is who you become. The show stayed true to its source material, but many liked that it acknowledged this alternative path, which resonated with present discussions about individualism and self-worth.

Cast of The Summer I Turned Pretty

As seen in The Summer I Turned Pretty, Jenny Han's favorite characters are brought to life with charm and depth. Lola Tung plays Isabel "Belly" Conklin. Lola shows Belly as innocent, growing, and having emotional problems, which lets people connect with her.

Conrad Fisher is played by Christopher Briney. His relationship with her has been rough in the past. It's hard to tell that Conrad's character is both cool and mad because of how he plays the part. Jeremiah Fisher is played by Gavin Casalegno. He is the youngest and nicest of the Fisher family. Having him in a love triangle is exciting because he is so different from Conrad, who is very serious.

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Jackie Chung plays Laurel, Belly's mother, in the stories about being a parent, making friends, and not giving up when things get tough. Susannah is played by Rachel Blanchard. She is the mother of Conrad and Jeremiah. Both her illness and her health affect all of the families.

An important part is played by Sean Kaufman, who is Belly's bigger brother Steven and looks out for her. It is Alfredo Narciso's role as Cleveland Castillo that helps Laurel grow as a person, which is very important. The group's songs about love, death, and change show how much they care.

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