Fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty were deliberately misled by the show’s creator through the filming of decoy scenes in Paris. Jenny Han, the author and showrunner, recently revealed that fake sequences featuring Gavin Casalegno (Jeremiah) and Lola Tung (Belly) were shot in Paris to prevent spoilers and keep the series finale a surprise. This creative strategy was designed to protect the story’s ending and maintain excitement for the audience.
The Plan to Mislead Fans
To keep the final outcome of the love triangle secret, Jenny Han organized a filming operation in Paris that included scenes not intended to be in the show. In interviews, Han explained her reasoning:
“We did have Gavin come out so that we could have some stuff with him in Paris, just because I like to keep surprises for the audience” .
She noted the difficulty of preventing spoilers in the age of social media, where fans often share behind-the-scenes content. By filming these decoy scenes, Han hoped to create confusion and speculation about whether Jeremiah would end up with Belly in Paris, thus protecting the true ending where Conrad is the one who reunites with her .
Gavin Casalegno described his unusual participation, mentioning he was given blank scripts and told to simply “run” during filming. He viewed the experience positively, enjoying a free trip to Paris and the unique opportunity to contribute to the show’s secrecy .
What Really Happened in the Finale
The actual Season 3 finale, which aired on August 27, 2025, did not feature Jeremiah in Paris. Instead, after Belly and Jeremiah call off their wedding, Belly moves to Paris for a study abroad program. Months later, Conrad Fisher (played by Christopher Briney) surprises her there on her birthday. They reconnect, share a kiss by the Seine River, and ultimately decide to be together. The season concludes with them returning to the summer house in Cousins .
This ending stays true to the books and provides a satisfying conclusion for Team Conrad fans. The decoy scenes successfully diverted attention, making the genuine ending a surprise for many viewers .
Fan and Critical Reaction to the Strategy
The use of fake scenes received mixed reactions. Some fans enjoyed the mystery and speculation it created online, while others felt misled. Criticisms of the season included claims of a predictable plot and some repetitive storytelling, though many praised the chemistry between Belly and Conrad .
Overall, the tactic was seen as a clever way to engage the audience and protect the narrative surprise. It highlighted the challenges modern producers face in keeping storylines secret when fans are constantly searching for spoilers .
The Future of the Story
Despite the series concluding, the story of Belly and Conrad will continue. Shortly after the finale, Amazon announced a spin-off movie greenlit on September 17, 2025. Jenny Han will write the script, and the film is expected to cover another significant milestone in Belly’s life. The main cast, including Lola Tung, Christopher Briney, and Gavin Casalegno, are confirmed to return .
“There is another big milestone left in Belly’s journey, and I thought only a movie could give it its proper due” .
This movie will serve as the final chapter for these characters, giving fans another chance to visit Cousins Beach .
Also Read: 11 Hidden Details You Might Have Missed in ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Finale
