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Fans of Alexis Hall’s beloved novel, My Oxford Year, were surprised by the film adaptation’s altered ending. The romantic comedy, now streaming, follows Anna (Sofia Carson), a young woman sent to Oxford by her mother to experience a little culture and, hopefully, find a husband. Instead, she falls for the charming and enigmatic Gabriel (Jedidiah Bila), a local with a mysterious past. But the film deviates significantly from the book’s conclusion, leaving audiences wondering why.

Stars Sofia Carson and Marcus Scribner, who play Anna and her best friend, Flynn, respectively, recently spoke to People about the decision to change the ending. “We wanted to honor the spirit of the book, which is about finding yourself and embracing change, but also give the audience a satisfying and hopeful resolution,” Carson explained.

The book’s ending, for those unfamiliar, is more bittersweet. Anna and Gabriel part ways, acknowledging their connection but recognizing they’re not meant to be together long-term. The film’s ending, however, sees Anna and Gabriel committed to a future together, a more traditional romantic conclusion.

“The book is beautifully poignant, and that ending is really powerful,” Scribner added. “But for a film, we felt a more definitive, happy ending would resonate better with a wider audience. It’s about finding love and happiness, and we wanted to leave viewers feeling good.”

Director Jessica Knappett echoed this sentiment, stating that the change was made with the best interests of the film's accessibility in mind. “We wanted to make a film that would appeal to a broad audience, and we felt that a more traditional romantic ending would help us achieve that goal,” she told Variety.

Carson also emphasized the importance of maintaining the core themes of the story. “Even with the altered ending, the film still explores themes of self-discovery, family expectations, and the complexities of relationships,” she said. “Anna’s journey is still about learning to trust herself and follow her own path, regardless of what others think.”

The decision to alter the ending isn't without its detractors. Some fans of the book have expressed disappointment, arguing that the change diminishes the novel’s nuanced exploration of love and loss. However, Carson and Scribner remain confident that the film adaptation captures the essence of My Oxford Year while offering a fresh and uplifting experience.

Ultimately, the change in ending reflects a common adaptation challenge: balancing fidelity to the source material with the demands of cinematic storytelling. While purists may prefer the book's original ending, the film's version provides a feel-good conclusion that many viewers will appreciate, solidifying My Oxford Year as a charming and entertaining romantic comedy.