Liza Soberano as Taffy in “‘Lisa Frankenstein” | Image: YouTube/Focus Features
Hollywood director Zelda Williams revealed that she had convinced Liza Soberano to do a screen test for her role in “Lisa Frankenstein,” and she ended up being most people’s favorite part of the film.
In an exclusive interview with TV Patrol, Williams shared that she had personally asked Soberano to try for the part as she believed the Filipino actress could ace the role.
“I think Liza thought that I was kidding originally, when I told her that she should come in and read for the movie and read the script. I think she was like, ‘No, you don’t want me in your movie.’ ‘Yes, I do. You’re brilliant.’” the director told Yong Chavez of TFC.
Williams mentioned that she met the “Dolce Amore” star through a common friend and she fit the bill she was looking for: the sweet, loving aura that Soberano possesses.
“I really wanted someone who could play so earnestly and sweetly and lovingly and everyone was kind of playing it very meanly, no matter what notes I gave them,” she said.
“I asked her myself I was like, ‘Please, please, will you tape this? I think you’re right for it.’ And everyone fell in love with her. She’s most people’s favorite part of this whole movie,” added the director.
Williams is the daughter of the late legendary comedy actor Robin Williams and Filipino American Marsha Garces. “Lisa Frankenstein” will mark her directorial debut.
The director noted that Soberano made her tap into her Filipino descent, noting that everyone is well aware of her father but not of her Filipino-blooded grandfather or mother.
“Working with Liza and seeing how proud she is, and obviously she’s the biggest star in the Philippines, or one of. She’s the biggest star in my heart. I genuinely love that’s so much of her life, whereas it was kind of the opposite of mine,” expressed Williams.
Soberano plays Taffy, the cheerleader and stepsister of Lisa, the title character, played by Kathryn Newton, who accidentally reanimates a handsome Victorian corpse, portrayed by Cole Sprouse.
The horror romantic comedy is written by Oscar screenplay winner Diablo Cody. It also stars Carla Gugino, Joe Chrest and Henry Eikenberry, among others. It will premiere in Philippine cinemas on Feb. 7.