BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Filipino actress and former ABS-CBN star Liza Soberano ventures into Hollywood with her debut in the upcoming horror-comedy flick “Lisa Frankenstein,” produced by Focus Features and Universal Pictures International. 

Crafted by the imaginative and wonderfully twisted minds of Academy Award-winning writer Diablo Cody and first-time feature director Zelda Williams, this ingeniously witty film blends genres seamlessly. It puts a darkly humorous spin on Mary Shelley’s timeless tale, transporting viewers to suburban 1989, where high school senior Lisa Swallows frequents the desolate Bachelor’s Grove cemetery. Here, she spends her time at the grave of a young man who passed away decades earlier, embarking on an unconventional journey that is bound to alter the course of her life.

Starring Kathryn Newton, known for her roles in Big Little Lies and Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania, and Cole Sprouse, famous for his performances in The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody and CW’s Riverdale, the film marks their first collaboration as the main characters.

Penned by Diablo Cody, who earned acclaim with an Academy and BAFTA Award for her screenplay of Juno in 2007, Lisa Frankenstein follows the story of Lisa Swallows (played by Newton) inadvertently reviving a dashing corpse from the Victorian era, portrayed by Sprouse, during a lightning storm. The plot unfolds as they embark on a darkly humorous quest for love, happiness, and a few absent body parts. Set against the 1980s backdrop, the film presents a distinctive tale of coming-of-rage romance, blending comedy, romance, and fantasy. Soberano takes on the role of Taffy, Lisa’s stepsister.

“I met Zelda on a trip to LA, and she brought up this project. I was instantly hooked,” Soberano recalls. “It’s amazing because the day I met her was the same day the studio greenlit the project. When she found out it was a go, ‘They’ve got their main leads lined-up. They were looking to fill other roles. How about auditioning for one?’ I was like, ‘Sure, let me check out the script. If it’s something that interests me, I’m in.’ And when I saw Diablo Cody was on board, I just had to audition for it.”

Soberano expresses her enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity, noting that the film’s 1980s setting presents a fresh challenge for her in terms of styling with its distinctive hair and makeup. She describes the project as a long-desired opportunity, combining elements of horror, comedy, and romance in a single narrative—a type of movie she has always wanted to be a part of. 

With the support of the #1 Digital Bank Maya and SM Cinemas, celebrities and members of the press recently had an advanced screening as Filipino fans are gearing-up for a unique romance, horror-comedy experience in cinemas in time for Valentine’s Day when Lisa Frankenstein opens February 7 in cinemas nationwide. Follow Universal Pictures Ph (FB) and universalpicturesph (IG) for the latest updates on Lisa Frankenstein. 

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Brooklyn Industries PR