Promo efforts for the upcoming horror comedy film Lisa Frankenstein are now in motion in anticipation of its worldwide release in February.
On Sunday, January 14, 2024 (Philippine time), lead stars Kathryn Newton (The Society, Supernatural) and Cole Sprouse (The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Riverdale) each posted on Instagram identical photos taken while they were on the set of the movie.
“Leaked set photo,” Kathryn captioned her post.
What caught the attention of Filipino netizens, however, was the presence of former Kapamilya actress Liza Soberano in the photo.
At the time this article was being written, #LizaSoberano ranked number three in the trending topics in the Philippines on X (formerly Twitter).
This isn’t the first time that Kathryn posted a photo of her with Liza.
A netizen posted a screenshot of Kathryn and Liza’s sweet exchange a few days ago. It was accompanied by a photo from one of the scenes in the movie.
VINDICATION FOR LIZA?
Liza’s decision to chase her Hollywood dream became controversial, with observers casting doubts on her chances to land a break outside the Philippines.
Adding to the intrigue were Liza’s candid remarks critical of the formula that had contributed to her success as an actress.
In particular, she voiced her concerns about the prevalent love team culture in Philippine showbiz and the associated expectations imposed by both management and fans.
“We’re supposed to be a real couple on and off cam, and we only work with each other for our whole career,” Liza said in an interview with South Korean singers Ashley Choi and BTOB’s Peniel for Get Real podcast.
Continued Liza, “In love teams, you’re expected to just be with that one person throughout your career and in your personal life and, like, people don’t wanna see you aside with another male actor or any other male in general.”
Liza’s love team partner during her time with ABS-CBN was boyfriend Enrique Gil.
“Whenever we do, like, interviews, going into the projects, they’re always asking about, like, whether we’re dating already, officially dating or not.
“So, it becomes this whole thing where your career and personal life kind of, the lines between the two get kind of blurred, and people just don’t know what reality is.”
For some, Liza’s comments sounded ungrateful and poised to burn bridges with the people who helped her in the early years of her career.
Liza’s decision to change managers from veteran showbiz reporter Ogie Diaz to fledgling management company Careless, co-run by fellow actor James Reid, also fueled doubt and pessimism among critics.
For many of Liza’s fans, Lisa Frankenstein is a vindication for Liza — regardless if the movie becomes a blockbuster or not — and proof that her sacrifices have paid off.
This was their sentiment as they shared their thoughts on X in support of Liza’s upcoming movie.
