The Summer I Turned Pretty movie script is done, Jenny Han confirms today, but fans won’t see it next year

The Summer I Turned Pretty movie script just got finished, but Jenny Han confirmed today at the Power Women Summit that fans won’t see the film next year. The beloved creator wrapped the screenplay and is preparing for filming, yet a 2026 theatrical release remains impossible due to production timeline constraints.

The Script Is Done, But Filming Hasn’t Started Yet

Jenny Han revealed exciting progress at The Wrap’s 2025 Power Women Summit on December 2. She announced that she has completed the first draft of the screenplay. The author-turned-showrunner explained the entire writing and production journey in her update to fans. Nothing remains unwritten for the story that will conclude the beloved YA series on screen.

Despite having the script ready, production work remains ahead. Han emphasized that no filming has occurred yet, despite hopes from the fanbase. The cast members, including lead actress Lola Tung, don’t know any details about the project. Han noted that the cast is waiting to learn more about what comes next for their characters.

Why There’s No Christmas 2025 Release

Fans desperately hoped the Summer I Turned Pretty movie would premiere during the holiday season this year. Han made clear that this outcome is impossible. The timing simply doesn’t work given the extensive production schedule required.

The third season of the series demanded an enormous amount of Han’s attention throughout 2024 and into mid-2025. Production ran continuously from January through July, with the season finale airing in late summer. Post-production work consumed another month until June, leaving no opportunity to film the entire feature.

Production Timeline and What Comes Next

Timeline Element	Details
Movie Script Status	Completed first draft (December 2025)
Filming Status	Not yet begun
Expected Release Window	Beyond 2026 (exact date TBA)
Director	Jenny Han (feature directorial debut)

The movie will serve as the official conclusion to the trilogy series. Unlike the episodic format of the three-season run, this feature film will wrap up loose ends and deliver the finale that fans have been anticipating. Han has promised that the story represents a complete ending rather than just an extended epilogue.

Jenny Han’s Directorial Vision and Inspiration

This marks Han’s first time directing a feature film, though she recently directed episodes during the third season of the series. She expressed excitement about the transition from television to cinema. Han explained that directing a film is simply another form of storytelling, following years of experience building relationships with the cast and crew.

The creator drew inspiration from classic romantic comedies written by Nora Ephron. She mentioned loving films such as Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail, and Bridget Jones’s Diary. Han is currently planning the feature with these beloved films in mind, aiming to capture that same tone and emotional resonance.

“I just wrote it. We have not filmed anything yet. I know that everyone was hoping that it was coming out this Christmas, but unfortunately, not happening, not possible.”

— Jenny Han, Author and Creator of The Summer I Turned Pretty

When Will The Summer I Turned Pretty Movie Actually Release?

No official release date has been announced for the film. Han continued juggling numerous projects in her busy schedule. She manages writing books, developing additional television shows, and overseeing multiple film projects simultaneously. The filmmaker acknowledged being incredibly occupied with her expanding slate of work.

Industry speculation suggests the movie could arrive in mid-to-late 2026 at the earliest, assuming the script completion by year-end means production can begin soon. However, Han has not confirmed any specific timeline. The production process, post-production editing, and studio release decisions will ultimately determine when audiences return to Cousins Beach for this final chapter.

Sources

• E! News – Jenny Han’s announcement at The Wrap Power Women Summit on December 2, 2025
• TheWrap – Exclusive interview with creator discussing film production plans
• IMDb – Official news coverage of movie script completion announcement