Summary
- The books and movies from “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” may not exist in the same universe due to differences in tone and themes.
- However, there is a connection between the two series, as an Easter egg in the form of the book “The Summer I Turned Pretty” appears in the “To All The Boys” series, indicating a shared connection through one character’s reading material.
- While a crossover between the two series is not currently planned, there is potential for future projects to bring them together, especially with the characters potentially crossing paths at Stanford University.
With The Summer I Turned Pretty and To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before both being exceptionally popular teen romance series that just so happen to be written by the same author, many are left wondering if they exist in the same universe. Jenny Han is an accomplished author whose words were transformed on screen for viewers to enjoy. She has remained a crucial part of the production of both series, ensuring that her characters make a smooth leap from page to screen.
Since both series have similar themes and were written by the same author, there has been speculation that the two might exist in the same universe. This would allow for crossovers to occur and characters from the completed To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before movies to make their way over to Cousins Beach. Comments by those involved with the two franchises shed light on that possibility.
The Summer I Turned Pretty & To All The Boys Don’t Share A Universe
The prospect of The Summer I Turned Pretty and To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before sharing a cinematic universe has already been debunked. Han shared with W Magazine that, to her, Lara Jean exists in a more heightened universe, whereas Belly’s is more grounded. This makes sense, with Lara Jean living in a more whimsical reality, whereas Belly was forced to face some of the toughest moments life can deal out. Apparently, the difference in tone is the reason why the two are kept separate.
The Summer I Turned Pretty Easter Egg In To All The Boys Explained
Based on an Easter egg present in both the third To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before book and the movies, the two series are connected in a way, even without existing in the same world. In the cover of the third and final novel, Always and Forever, Lara Jean, there is a copy of The Summer I Turned Pretty. The book also appears in the third movie and, according to Refinery 29, it’s actually Jenny Han’s own copy. Han explained that this was because she feels like The Summer I Turned Pretty seems like Lara Jean’s type of reading material. So, although, the two sets of characters might not exist in the same universe, it seems like The Summer I Turned Pretty has a place in Lara Jean’s.
What A The Summer I Turned Pretty & To All The Boys Crossover Could Look Like
Although there isn’t a shared universe, it’s impossible for future projects to change course and bring them together. In The Summer I Turned Pretty, Conrad’s late mother, Susannah, had always said that she could picture him in California, attending Stanford. After her death, he applies to transfer there from Brown University, and in The Summer I Turned Pretty season 2 finale, he ultimately decides to attend. Lara Jean’s love interest, Peter Kavinsky, also ends up at Stanford at the conclusion of To All The Boys: Always and Forever.
Though it would amount to a retcon, this could be the perfect opportunity for the two series to cross, as the boys could run into each other at school. With Peter being a bit older than Conrad, he could serve as somewhat of a mentor who helps him navigate his feelings with Belly and the transition to a new school. It could also open the door for other To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before characters to enter the mix, as they could come visit Peter and be introduced to Conrad and eventually come into contact with the rest of The Summer I Turned Pretty gang.
Sources: W Magazine, Refinery 29
