Why is Shayla Not in Season 2 of the Summer I Turned Pretty? Who Plays Shayla in the Summer I Turned Pretty?
by Harini
Updated Jul 24, 2023
Why is Shayla Not in Season 2 of the Summer I Turned Pretty?
In The Summer I Turned Pretty season 2, viewers may notice the absence of Shayla, a character who played a significant role in the first season. Shayla, a fashion icon and a close friend of Belly, had a romantic relationship with Belly's brother, Steven, which was a central storyline in season 1. However, her character is not present in season 2 due to scheduling conflicts that prevented her return.
Shayla's absence has had an impact on the development of Steven's character arc. Throughout the first season, his relationship with Shayla helped him mature and grow. He worked hard to match his suit with Shayla's dress for the debutante ball, which was a pivotal moment in his character development. Additionally, Shayla's storyline conveyed an essential lesson for Steven that he shouldn't have to change himself for a partner. Unfortunately, season 2 seems to disregard these crucial aspects of Steven's growth, leaving his story unfinished.
Furthermore, season 2 of The Summer I Turned Pretty fails to adequately explore the characters' grief, particularly in Steven's case. While Belly's emotions following her break-up and the death of Susannah are given significant attention, Steven's grief is somewhat overlooked. This aspect of the season could have delved deeper into Steven's feelings and provided more insight into his character.
Despite Shayla's absence being disappointing to viewers, the show uses this opportunity to develop a new romance for Steven with Taylor. Even in season 1, there were hints of a flirtatious relationship between Steven and Taylor, and now with Shayla out of the picture, their connection has room to grow. This new romance adds an exciting element to Steven's character and motivates him to address his immaturity issues.
While Shayla's absence is regrettable, there is hope that she might return in a future season if the series continues beyond season 3. Additionally, the ongoing episodes of The Summer I Turned Pretty season 2 could still reference her, providing closure to her storyline. Despite the initial disappointment, Steven's new romance with Taylor offers promising prospects for his character's development.
Who Plays Shayla in the Summer I Turned Pretty?
In the television series "The Summer I Turned Pretty," the character Shayla Wang is portrayed by Minnie Mills, a 21-year-old actress. Born in London, Mills began her career as a child model for renowned brands such as Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger, after signing with Wilhelmina Models.
Although Shayla's character was not present in the original books, she was introduced in the show after Minnie Mills auditioned for a different role, catching the attention of the creators. Mills expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to create and bring Shayla to life, describing the experience as surreal and an honor.
During the first season, Shayla played a significant role as one of the debutantes and Steven's girlfriend. However, it was announced in April 2023 that Minnie Mills would not be reprising her role for the show's second season. Despite not continuing with the series, Mills expressed deep appreciation for the chance to portray Shayla, stating that the character's representation on screen was a dream come true for her.
Beyond her acting career, Minnie Mills is currently pursuing her studies in neuroscience at Columbia University, as stated on her LinkedIn profile.
The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 Cast
Lola Tung
Isabel "Belly" Conklin
Jackie Chung
Laurel Park
Rachel Blanchard
Susannah Fisher
Christopher Briney
Conrad Fisher
Gavin Casalegno
Jeremiah Fisher
Sean Kaufman
Steven Conklin
Alfredo Narciso
Cleveland Castillo
Minnie Mills
Shayla
Colin Ferguson
John Conklin
Tom Everett Scott
Adam Fisher
Rain Spencer
Taylor
Cast Name
Character Name
The Summer I Turned Pretty Season Plot
In the second season of "The Summer I Turned Pretty," the continuation of the story follows Belly (portrayed by Lola Tung) as she grapples with the complexities of her relationships with Jeremiah (played by Gavin Casalegno) and Conrad (played by Christopher Briney). The unresolved love triangle between the three characters becomes a central focus as Belly tries to navigate her emotions and make decisions about her future.
However, love is not the only concern occupying Belly's thoughts. The relapse of Susannah's (played by Rachel Blanchard) cancer weighs heavily on her mind, adding emotional depth to the storyline. Additionally, the Cousins Beach house faces a looming threat, introducing further tension and challenges for the characters to overcome in this captivating season.
The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2
The Summer I Turned Pretty is an enthralling American coming-of-age romantic drama television series, based on Jenny Han's popular novel trilogy of the same name. Exclusive to Amazon Prime Video, the show made its debut on June 17, 2022, featuring a compelling first season comprising seven episodes.
Even before its initial premiere, the series garnered significant anticipation and excitement, leading to its early renewal for a second season. The much-awaited season 2 is set to premiere on July 14, 2023, and is expected to captivate viewers with eight new episodes. Building upon the beloved story, the show takes audiences on a heartfelt and engaging journey with its well-crafted characters, as they navigate the intricacies of love, friendship, and personal growth throughout the series.
Why is Shayla Not in Season 2 of the Summer I Turned Pretty: FAQs
Shayla's absence from Season 2 is due to scheduling conflicts that prevented her character's return. Unfortunately, this resulted in her storyline being left unresolved and leaving an impact on Steven's character development.
Minnie Mills, a 21-year-old actress, portrays Shayla Wang in the series. Mills began her career as a child model and considers her role as Shayla her first major Hollywood role.
Before her role as Shayla, Minnie Mills made guest appearances on TV shows like The Vampire Diaries, Haven, and Cedar Cove. She also starred in the film "Because I Said So" alongside her costar Scott.
While Shayla's character is not present in Season 2, there is a possibility that she may be referenced in future episodes, providing closure to her storyline.
Season 2 continues the story from Season 1, with Belly facing challenges in her relationships with Jeremiah and Conrad, as well as dealing with the relapse of Susannah's cancer. The love triangle and emotional complexities add depth to the plot, making it a captivating continuation of the beloved series.