Why Liza Soberano was destined to be part of ‘Lisa Frankenstein’

Soberano (left) with lead stars Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse during the party after the film’s premiere screening in Hollywood —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

One can probably call it a serendipitous event when actress Liza Soberano met “Lisa Frankenstein” director Zelda Williams on the exact day that the project was greenlit.

The Filipino-American director eventually asked Liza if she could audition for one of the roles.

“I met Zelda on a trip to Los Angeles, and she brought up this project. I was instantly hooked,” Liza said in a statement sent to Inquirer Entertainment. “When she found out it was a go, she said, ‘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.’ When I saw Diablo Cody was on board, I just had to audition for it.”

Soberano (right) with Carla Gugino

Darkly humorous journey

Diablo, who won an Academy award for her work in “Juno,” is the writer of “Lisa Frankenstein.” It centers around Lisa Swallows (Kathryn Newton), who accidentally reanimates a handsome corpse from the Victorian era, played by Cole Sprouse, during a lightning storm. The story unfolds as the pair embarks on a darkly humorous journey seeking love, happiness and a few missing body parts.

Fast-forward to today, Liza is now promoting the film in the United States, where it will start screening on Feb. 9. She bagged the role of Taffy, Lisa’s stepsister.

“It’s set in the ’80s, so the whole look—the hair, makeup—is totally ’80s, which is new for me,” Liza said. “It’s the kind of movie I’ve always wanted to do. It has horror, comedy and romance. I was looking for a role that would really push me. Sure, it’s a huge risk for my career, but that’s what’s exciting about it. I know I’ve learned a lot no matter how it turns out. That’s what counts.”

Soberano’s boyfriend, actor Enrique Gil, at the special advance screening at SM Aura

A special advanced screening was held at SM Aura in Taguig. Liza’s longtime boyfriend Enrique Gil was the main guest, along with James Reid—who manages Liza’s career under Careless—and his girlfriend Issa Pressman.

“Hopey (Liza’s nickname) was so amazing! She said the movie was funny, but I didn’t expect it to be this funny,” Enrique told reporters after the screening, which was organized by the digital payments company Maya.

“Lisa Frankenstein,” produced by Focus Features also stars Joe Chrest (“Stranger Things”), Henry Eikenberry (“The Crowded Room”) and Carla Gugino (“San Andreas”). It has been screening in cinemas nationwide since Feb. 7.

Liza Soberano