The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2: Gavin Casalegno's Unbelievable Connection to Jeremiah's 'Issues'

Gavin Casalegno John Merrick/Prime Video

Gavin Casalegno effortlessly reprised his role as Jeremiah on The Summer I Turned Pretty, drawing inspiration from his personal experiences.

"I feel that in my own life, I faced many similar challenges as Jeremiah. It was fascinating because as I was portraying the character, I was also able to guide Jeremiah's growth," shared Casalegno, 23, in an exclusive interview with We before the SAG-AFTRA strike, discussing Jeremiah's journey in season 2. "It was a mutually beneficial experience."

The actor expressed his excitement regarding the sophomore season of the Prime Video drama, which prominently showcased Jeremiah's perspective. He found it gratifying because, throughout season 1 and even season 2, the audience was able to delve deep into Bell's thoughts and feelings, thus forming a strong affection for her character. Similarly, for Jeremiah, viewers will be able to connect with and comprehend him on a deeper level, ultimately growing to appreciate his compassionate nature towards those around him.

The Summer I Turned Pretty, based on Jenny Han's book series of the same name, delves into the intricate love triangle involving Belly, Conrad (Christopher Briney), and Jeremiah. As Belly navigates her emotions for Conrad, she begins to question whether his brother, Jeremiah, may be her true love. Meanwhile, Jeremiah grapples with the aftermath of his mother's passing, all while experiencing ups and downs in his relationship with Belly.

Casalegno had mentioned earlier the emotional barriers Jeremiah would have developed after being rejected by Belly in favor of Conrad in the season 2 premiere. He also discussed his approach of not allowing his knowledge of Jeremiah's future to influence his current performance.

"I strive to maintain authenticity in that aspect. Obviously, I am aware of where Jeremiah's story leads and what unfolds. However, I don't dwell on that. Jenny, the author and showrunner, portrays it so masterfully that I can naturally embody the character's progression without forcing it in a particular direction," he explained. "So even though I am aware of his future, my focus is on taking it day by day because that's all we can do. We must live in the present and make the most of our time."

Casalegno acknowledges that his dedication to Jeremiah remains unwavering, despite the show's success. "I'm incredibly grateful for the unwavering support we receive for the show," he expressed. "It brings me immense joy to bring the books to life and showcase our enjoyable work. However, at its core, it's about the creation of art. Acting, to me, is akin to an artist painting on a canvas, a means of self-expression."

Erika Doss/Prime Video

He expressed, "The artwork on my canvas is a reflection. By faithfully honoring the books and Jenny's vision, I am confident that the fans will adore it. It will undoubtedly be extraordinary. However, I believe it is not solely about appeasing the supporters. It is about translating art onto a canvas, allowing others to appreciate, connect, and resonate with it."

You can now stream episodes of The Summer I Turned Pretty on Prime Video every Friday.