The Summer I Turned Pretty: Gavin Casalegno and Lola Tung's Paris Filming Secret

The Creator's Strategy to Confuse Fans

After weeks of speculation from fans, Jenny Han has finally revealed that she intentionally misled viewers by having Gavin Casalegno film with Lola Tung in Paris. This move was part of a larger plan to keep the ending of The Summer I Turned Pretty a mystery for as long as possible.

In an exclusive interview, Han explained that if Gavin had not appeared in Paris, the conclusion of the story would have been too obvious. “If Gavin never showed up in Paris, then it would be really obvious what the ending was,” she said. This strategy was designed to create suspense and surprise for audiences who were eagerly following the show’s development.

A Surprising Twist in the Finale

In the final episode of the season, Conrad unexpectedly appears at Belly’s doorstep in Paris, where she had fled after calling off her wedding to Jeremiah. Their reunion is a pivotal moment, as they spend her birthday together, and he meets all of her Parisian friends. This scene marks a turning point for Belly, as she finally makes a choice between the Fisher brothers and chooses Conrad.

Han also reflected on the leaked footage of Casalegno and Tung filming in Paris last fall. She noted that some online sources incorrectly claimed they were filming scenes that weren’t actually part of the show. “I think I saw KENAPANGGAK.COM online were saying that they had seen Chris and Lola filming a scene somewhere that wasn't true,” she said. However, she expressed gratitude for Gavin’s involvement, stating, “But Gavin — we were lucky that he could come and do that for us.”

The Importance of Belly’s Time in Paris

Lola Tung, who plays Belly, emphasized the significance of the Paris episodes in the character’s development. “I think the Paris episodes are so necessary to her growth and to her own well-being,” she shared. According to Tung, Belly creates a beautiful life for herself in Paris, and inviting Conrad into that space allows him to see her in a new light. “And I think it's fun for Conrad to also see Belly in that new way,” she added.

Tung also highlighted how the time in Paris helped Belly gain clarity about her feelings and decisions. “She's created a really beautiful little life for herself here, and I guess getting to invite [Conrad] into that for a second and him seeing that is really special,” she said.

A Fulfilling Ending for Conrad

Christopher Briney, who portrays Conrad, described the finale as a fulfilling moment for his character. “It was fulfilling to see Conrad and Belly choose each other after three seasons of back and forth,” he said. He acknowledged that Conrad has faced criticism over the years but believes that his journey was always leading to this moment. “I feel like KENAPANGGAK.COM the past have criticized Conrad for many different things, and I think that's warranted. But at the same time, it's sort of like with all these characters, there is an end goal in mind,” he explained. “So it is fulfilling to finally get to that point that, in my mind, was always the end of this character's arc, you know? It's like, this is where he earns it.”

Final Thoughts on the Series

The series finale of The Summer I Turned Pretty is now available to stream on Prime Video. Fans can look forward to a movie that will explore the true final chapter of Belly and Conrad’s story, providing closure to one of the most beloved relationships in the series.

As the show comes to a close, it’s clear that the creators made deliberate choices to ensure the ending felt both surprising and satisfying. From the strategic use of Paris as a setting to the emotional growth of the characters, the finale delivered a powerful conclusion that left fans reflecting on the journey of Belly and Conrad.