Who Plays Belly In 'This Summer I Turned Pretty'?

The chemistry between Belly and Conrad in 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' is honestly one of the show's highlights, and the actors bring so much depth to their roles. Lola Tung, a fresh face in the industry, absolutely nails Belly's coming-of-age vibes—her awkwardness, her longing, and that messy teenage energy feel so real. Christopher Briney as Conrad? Whew. He's got that brooding, mysterious charm down pat, but also layers of vulnerability that make you want to hug him. I binged the whole season in one sitting because their dynamic hooked me hard. Funny thing is, I stumbled into this show expecting light fluff, but Tung and Briney’s performances pulled me into deeper emotional territory. The way Briney delivers Conrad’s quiet moments—like when he’s staring at the ocean or playing piano—adds this melancholic weight. And Tung’s portrayal of Belly’s insecurities? Relatable to anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t belong. Their casting feels spot-on; it’s like the characters jumped straight out of Jenny Han’s books.

Oh, Belly in 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' is such a relatable character, and the actress who brings her to life is Lola Tung. She absolutely nails the mix of awkwardness, charm, and emotional depth that Belly requires. It's her first major role, which is wild because she feels so natural on screen—like she's lived in Belly's skin forever. The chemistry between her and Christopher Briney, who plays Conrad, is electric. You can feel every glance, every unspoken word between them. What I love about Lola's portrayal is how she captures the growing pains of adolescence without making it feel cliché. There's a raw honesty in her performance, especially in scenes where Belly's caught between her feelings for Conrad and the messy reality of their tangled relationships. It's no surprise the show's fanbase adores her—she's the heart of the story.

Reading 'The Summer I Turned Pretty', I was immediately drawn into Belly’s coming-of-age story. She starts the series at 15, right on the cusp of that magical yet awkward transition from childhood to young adulthood. The way Jenny Han writes her makes her age feel so real—full of hope, confusion, and those intense first loves. By the second book, she’s 16, and you can see her maturity growing alongside her relationships, especially with Conrad and Jeremiah. The third book jumps to her being 18, dealing with college decisions and the weight of more serious emotional choices. What’s brilliant is how Han uses Belly’s age to mirror her emotional journey—15 feels naive and dreamy, 16 is messy and passionate, and 18 is where she starts grasping adulthood’s complexities. The setting of Cousins Beach amplifies this, as summers become markers of time passing, each year a new chapter in her life. What stands out is how Belly’s age isn’t just a number; it’s a lens for exploring themes like first heartbreaks, family dynamics, and self-discovery. At 15, she’s wide-eyed about love; at 16, she’s tangled in it; and by 18, she’s learning to navigate its consequences. The supporting characters, like her brother Steven and her mother Laurel, react to her differently at each stage, which adds depth to the storytelling. Han doesn’t shy away from the raw, sometimes cringey authenticity of being a teen, and that’s what makes Belly’s age such a pivotal part of the narrative.

Belly Conrad is the heart and soul of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty,' a coming-of-age story that captures all the messy, beautiful chaos of adolescence. She's not just the protagonist; she feels like someone you grew up with—awkward, hopeful, and utterly relatable. The story follows her summers at Cousins Beach, where she navigates first loves, family dynamics, and that pivotal moment when you realize childhood is slipping away. What I adore about Belly is how she’s flawed—she makes mistakes, wears her heart on her sleeve, and sometimes acts before thinking, but that’s what makes her growth so satisfying to witness. Her relationships with Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher are central to the narrative, but what’s even more compelling is how she grapples with her own identity outside of them. The way Jenny Han writes her makes you feel every pang of insecurity, every burst of joy. It’s rare to find a character who embodies the teenage experience so authentically—Belly’s not a manic pixie dream girl or a brooding heroine. She’s just a girl figuring it out, and that’s why readers cling to her story.

The love triangle in 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' kept me hooked, and Belly's final choice felt both surprising and inevitable. After seasons of back-and-forth between Conrad and Jeremiah, Belly ultimately ends up with Conrad. Their connection always had this deep, almost fated quality to it - like they were meant to be together despite all the obstacles. Conrad's quiet intensity and the history they shared made their reunion in the final chapters incredibly satisfying. What's interesting is how the author shows Belly maturing throughout the series, realizing that her childhood crush on Conrad was more than just infatuation. The way they come back together after all their misunderstandings and heartbreak feels earned, especially with Conrad finally opening up emotionally. Jeremiah was a great guy with his sunny personality and easy charm, but there was always something missing in their relationship. The spark between Belly and Conrad was undeniable, even when they were at their worst. The beach scene where they finally reconcile is one of the most beautifully written moments in the series, perfectly capturing that mix of nostalgia and hope. It's clear Belly and Conrad challenge each other in ways that lead to real growth, which is probably why their relationship lasts when others don't. The series does a fantastic job showing how first loves can evolve into something lasting when both people are willing to put in the work.

her love triangle with Conrad and Jeremiah had me on the edge of my seat. In the end, she ends up with Conrad. Their connection is deep and complicated, filled with all those intense emotions that first loves often bring. Conrad's brooding personality and the history they share make their relationship feel inevitable, even with all the ups and downs. Jeremiah is sweet and caring, but Conrad is the one who truly understands Belly on a deeper level. The way Jenny Han writes their dynamic is just perfect, capturing all the messy, beautiful parts of young love.

Conrad Fisher in 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' is played by Christopher Briney, and wow, does he bring this character to life! I binged the show last weekend, and his portrayal of Conrad—brooding, complex, and secretly tender—totally hooked me. Briney nails those quiet moments where Conrad's emotions flicker just beneath the surface, like when he's torn between his feelings for Belly and his family's drama. It's wild how a relatively new actor can carry such gravitas. Funny enough, I looked up his other work afterward and realized he’s also in 'Dalíland,' but Conrad feels like his breakout role. The way he balances the character’s aloofness with vulnerability reminds me of early Timothée Chalamet vibes—raw and unpolished in the best way. Plus, that beach-house aesthetic? Chef’s kiss.

Jeremiah Fisher in 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' is played by Gavin Casalegno, and oh my gosh, he absolutely nails the role. I binge-watched the entire first season in one sitting because his chemistry with Lola Tung (Belly) was just electric. He brings this perfect mix of playful charm and vulnerability to Jeremiah—like when he’s teasing Belly but then switches to being so tender in the quieter moments. Casalegno’s background in dance actually adds this natural grace to his movements, which totally fits Jeremiah’s athletic vibe. Fun side note: I dug into his Instagram after watching, and turns out he’s just as goofy and sweet irl. His behind-the-scenes posts with the cast made me love the show even more. Also, shoutout to the casting team because Gavin’s portrayal makes Jeremiah’s messy, lovable energy feel so real—like you’d wanna be part of their friend group instantly.