Lola Tung On ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Movie, New Horror Roles

Fresh from her appearance at Paris Fashion Week, Lola Tung, best known for her role as Isabel “Belly” Conklin in Prime Video’s “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” made her podcast debut on Variety’s “Up Next” podcast. During the interview, Tung discussed the highly anticipated film continuation of the beloved series, as well as her involvement in two new horror projects.

Tung revealed that she has had conversations with showrunner Jenny Han about the upcoming film but has yet to see a script. She expressed excitement about reading it and hinted at the possibility of Belly and Conrad Fisher (played by Christopher Brine) navigating a long-distance relationship in the film. Tung also addressed the ongoing Team Conrad vs. Team Jeremiah debate among fans, teasing that she has a preference based on the books but leaving it to Han to reveal her true feelings.

Reflecting on her time playing Belly, Tung shared that the show has had a profound impact on her life and career. She credited it with giving her a platform and opening doors to new opportunities, including her involvement in two upcoming horror projects.

One of these projects, “Forbidden Fruits,” is a witchy thriller co-starring Lili Reinhart and produced by Diablo Cody. Tung praised director Meredith Alloway for her creative vision and the focus on female-driven storytelling. She also discussed her role in “The Young People,” a horror project directed by Osgood Perkins and featuring a star-studded cast.

In addition to her acting projects, Tung opened up about navigating sudden fame and finding authentic moments amidst the chaos. She shared a memorable experience of dancing with fellow actor Hudson Williams at a recent event and highlighted the connection they shared as young actors in the industry.

Tung also reflected on her journey to Hollywood, revealing that she sent in her audition tape for “The Summer I Turned Pretty” during her freshman year at Carnegie Mellon University. Despite not finishing school, she expressed a desire to continue learning and exploring new opportunities in the industry, including a potential return to musical theater.

Overall, Tung’s interview offered insight into her career trajectory, upcoming projects, and personal growth in the entertainment industry. Fans can watch the full interview on Variety’s YouTube channel for more behind-the-scenes details and exclusive insights from the talented actress.