The Summer I Turned Pretty Movie: Why It's Not Coming This Christmas, Despite a Finished Script

Oh, what a rollercoaster of emotions for fans of Jenny Han's beloved 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' series! We've all been buzzing with excitement about a potential big-screen adaptation, especially with the hugely popular TV series keeping Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah firmly in our hearts. And here's a fresh update straight from the source herself, Jenny Han, which is, well, a bit of a mixed bag.

The good news? It's genuinely fantastic! Han has confirmed that the script for a 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' movie is officially complete. Yes, you read that right – done. That's a huge step forward, hinting at the dedicated work happening behind the scenes to bring this cherished story to life in a new format. Just imagine seeing those iconic moments on the big screen!

Now, for the slightly less exciting part, which is also unfortunately the reality of the entertainment industry these days. While the script is ready to go, a Christmas release this year for the movie is simply not on the cards. And the reason? It boils down to the very real and impactful Hollywood strikes that have been dominating headlines and production schedules: the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA strikes.

You see, even with a perfect script in hand, making a movie is a monumental effort. It requires a full cast of talented actors, a dedicated crew, and, of course, the creative input and supervision from writers and showrunners – many of whom were on the picket lines, fighting for fair compensation and better working conditions. With both writers and actors on strike, the entire machinery of Hollywood hit a significant pause. Filming couldn't happen. Key discussions, casting, location scouting, and all those intricate details that make a film possible simply couldn't move forward as planned.

It's a tough pill to swallow, especially knowing the story is ready to unfold. Han's transparency on the matter is really appreciated; she wants to keep us in the loop, explaining that while the creative foundation is solid, the practicalities of production during such widespread industrial action are incredibly complex. It means that even the most finished script can't magically transform into a movie without the people power.

So, while we might not be getting a 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' movie under our Christmas trees this December, the silver lining is that progress is being made. The script's completion signals a strong commitment to the project. It just means we'll have to hold onto our anticipation a little longer, understanding that sometimes, the best things take time – especially when the industry is navigating such significant challenges. When it does arrive, we know it'll be worth the wait, hopefully, a true testament to the dedication of everyone involved.