Fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty are navigating mixed emotions after recent news confirmed there won’t be a spinoff series coming to Prime Video anytime soon.

Vernon Sanders, head of television at Amazon and MGM Studios, set the record straight in an exclusive interview with Deadline on July 28, revealing that talks about expanding Jenny Han’s fictional universe had been “wishful thinking” rather than concrete plans.

"That was probably wishful thinking for me at the time," Sanders admitted. "Jenny has stayed really focused on getting these seasons right.” 

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However, superfans can still expect the streaming giant to team up with Han again, just in a different capacity.

"We're pursuing new and different things with Jenny right now," he explained. "She's presented some other things that are related to this."

While Sanders shared that Han is exploring some new related projects, he emphasized that the show’s current season is the main priority. 

“Once the full season is launched, we’ll get into conversations, and we’ll ask her to pick from the many things that she’s surfaced. But we’ve moved away from those conversations,” he said.

This news comes as a surprise to many fans who had been itching with excitement after Sanders’ earlier comments in September 2023 hinted at a much larger universe.

At the time, he told Deadline, "This show is going to continue to be a huge centerpiece for us, and we absolutely have plans to continue building it. Jenny's got great vision for where she wants to go with all of it, but we're already hard at work developing complementary pieces...I will say, stay tuned, but Jenny's got some exciting surprises."

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The show, which premiered in 2021 and centers on a love triangle between Belly (Lola Tung), Conrad (Christopher Briney), and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno), has been a fan favorite for its heartfelt storytelling and authentic characters. The upcoming third season will be the final chapter, as Belly finally makes her choice between Conrad and Jeremiah.

For superfans, the news that there won’t be a spinoff has been a tough pill to swallow, but many are coming around with a hopeful outlook. On social media, fans expressed disappointment but also showed respect for Jenny Han’s vision and creative direction.

“I was really hoping for a spinoff, but honestly, I’m glad they’re wrapping it up here,” said one fan. “The story feels complete, and a spinoff might just ruin what made the show so special.”

Another fan shared, “Jenny Han has crafted something beautiful. I trust her to end it on a high note rather than stretching the story too thin with more shows.”

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This cautious optimism reflects a larger sentiment among viewers who cherish the show’s core strengths – its character-driven drama and relatable storytelling. Fans appreciate that the series doesn’t rely on flashy effects or gimmicks but instead leans into universal themes of love, growth, and family.

Han, who previously found massive success adapting her To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before books into Netflix films, continues to be a creative force in young adult storytelling. With the end of The Summer I Turned Pretty in sight, many fans are eagerly anticipating what she will bring to the screen next.

As Sanders said, “As we think about this audience, I think we will continue to look for those authored stories. I have to give incredible kudos to the cast. They've been brilliant in their portrayals and wonderful partners as well." 

The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 will premiere on Prime Video on Wednesdays. Fans can get ready to say goodbye to Belly’s summer love story while keeping an eye out for Jenny Han’s exciting next projects.

Photo Credit: @jennyhan on Instagram.