A surprising festive connection has emerged, linking the perennial Christmas favourite Love Actually with the recent Amazon streaming phenomenon, The Summer I Turned Pretty. The creative bridge between the 2003 romantic comedy and the 2025 teen drama is a family affair, rooted in one of Britain's most celebrated writing dynasties.
The Enduring Legacy of a Christmas Classic
Written and directed by the legendary Richard Curtis, Love Actually debuted in 2003 and has since become a staple of the holiday viewing schedule. The film, which interweaves ten distinct love stories in the weeks leading up to Christmas, boasts an ensemble cast featuring Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, and Alan Rickman.
Despite its divisive reputation among some critics, the film maintains a devoted cult following. Curtis, 69, is the creative force behind other iconic British comedies including Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, and the Bridget Jones's Diary adaptation, as well as classic sitcoms like Blackadder and Mr. Bean.
A New Generation of Storytelling
The link to the modern hit series is found in Curtis's daughter, Scarlett Curtis. The 30-year-old author and screenwriter has carved out her own distinguished career, contributing to the runaway Amazon success The Summer I Turned Pretty.
Based on Jenny Han's book trilogy, the romantic drama captivated audiences with its third season, which premiered weekly from July 2025 before concluding on September 17, 2025. The series explores the complex love triangle between Isabel 'Belly' Conklin and the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah.
Scarlett Curtis, who began her career as a blogger before writing for publications like The Guardian and The Telegraph, penned a scene for the show's second season. Taking to Instagram, she shared her pride in the work, stating it was "probably the piece of work I'm most proud of ever," while also expressing her admiration for showrunner Jenny Han.
Fan Reactions and Future Projects
The connection has delighted fans of both productions. In the comments of Scarlett's post, admirers praised the writing, with former You actress Tilly Keeper calling the show her "new obsession." Other fans engaged in the classic series debate, questioning whether the writer was "Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah."
The success of the series has led to further developments. On the very day the third season finale aired, a feature film adaptation received the green light. Jenny Han will write the Amazon Prime film alongside co-showrunner Sarah Kucserka, promising a satisfying conclusion to the story.
Scarlett Curtis is also involved in another Universal Television/Amazon Studios production, We Were Liars, similarly adapted from a novel. This demonstrates her established position in the industry, separate from her father's monumental legacy, yet connected by a shared talent for crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences across generations.
