Liza Soberano's first foray into the Hollywood scene via the movie Lisa Frankenstein is set for its world premiere on February 7, 2024.
Helmed by first-time feature director Zelda Williams and Oscar-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody, Lisa Frankenstein is a genre-bending romp inspired by the classic 1818 fiction novel Frankenstein.
Set in the '80s, the movie's female lead character Lisa Swallows, played by Kathryn Newton, is a high school senior whose traumatic experiences prompts her to seek comfort from her favorite grave and wish for a dead man (played by Cole Sprouse) to come back to life.
In the movie, Liza plays Taffy Swallows, Lisa's narcissistic but kind-hearted stepsister. Whereas Lisa is described as socially awkward, a complete misfit, and withdrawn, Taffy is wildly popular school, earnest, and vibrant with energy.
In a press material about the making of Lisa Frankenstein, Cody describes Liza's role as the "antithesis of a stereotypical mean girl," who genuinely treats Lisa with warmth and affection.
"Taffy is my favorite character," says Diablo, who's known for Hollywood movies like Juno (2008) and Jennifer's Body (2009).
Continuing, Diablo elaborates: "She's a beacon of positivity, and even when she's unwittingly condescending or tone-deaf, her intentions are always kind. She's more protective of Lisa than anyone else in the film, other than the Creature."
"Lisa resents Taffy because she's effortlessly beautiful and popular, but Lisa eventually comes to realize that her ire is misdirected," he said.
Adding to her previous statement, she continued to explain, "I felt that having Taffy be a standard 'mean popular girl' would be uninteresting. Most of the queen bees I've known were more complex than that."
This role played by Liza is said to be one of the most difficult parts to cast because Zelda wanted an actress "who could deliver many of the film's most blunt, cringe-worthy lines without a hint of provocation or malice." Those who have seen the advanced screening of Lisa Frankenstein say Liza played her part well, and it's a meaty role that will be seen from the start to the end of the film.
READ: Liza Soberano On Her Role as Taffy Swallows in 'Lisa Frankenstein'
Liza, for her part, says she had an "instant connection" with her character Taffy. "She's such a fun character to play. She's such a sweetheart," Liza is quoted as saying in a press material.
"She's genuinely nice to everybody, no matter what the situation or circumstance is. And she loves life. But with how she approaches Lisa, there are instances where she talks a bit too much or doesn't say the right thing. Taffy also can't help the fact that she is her mother's child, so sometimes that voice of her mom comes out, but she doesn't mean it in a mean way."
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