Lola Tung's Rising Career: From "The Summer I Turned Pretty" to Horror Films

Lola Tung, known for her role as Isabel “Belly” Conklin in Prime Video’s “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” recently discussed the future of the series during her appearance on Variety’s “Up Next” podcast. Although she has not yet seen a script for the anticipated film continuation, Tung confirmed that discussions with showrunner Jenny Han are ongoing. She expressed excitement about the project, stating, “I’ve talked to Jenny a lot about ideas,” while also noting her surprise at not having received a treatment that was reportedly circulating. Tung envisions a storyline where Belly and her love interest, Conrad Fisher, portrayed by Christopher Briney, navigate a long-distance relationship, emphasizing their mutual independence.

Variety MagazineExpress TribuneLola Tung Teases Osgood Perkins’ ‘The Young People:’ “Crazy, Weird, Awesome”

In addition to her work on “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” Tung is branching out into the horror genre with two upcoming films. She stars in “Forbidden Fruits,” a witch-themed thriller co-starring Lili Reinhart and produced by Diablo Cody. Tung praised the film's exploration of female friendships and the creative vision of director Meredith Alloway. She described the project as drawing comparisons to cult classics like “Jennifer’s Body” and “The Craft.” Furthermore, Tung is set to appear in “The Young People,” directed by Osgood Perkins, alongside notable actors such as Nicole Kidman and Tatiana Maslany. Tung characterized her experience on this film as “crazy, weird, and awesome,” noting that some moments on set genuinely frightened her.

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Since her breakout role, Tung's career has rapidly evolved, including her recent Broadway debut in “Hadestown.” She reflected on her journey, revealing that she auditioned for “The Summer I Turned Pretty” during her freshman year at Carnegie Mellon University, which she left to pursue acting full-time. Tung continues to seek opportunities for growth, mentioning her ongoing voice lessons and interest in dance classes. She also shared insights into navigating fame, highlighting the importance of forming authentic connections with fellow young actors, such as Hudson Williams.

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While Tung's transition into horror films has garnered interest, some fans of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” may express concern about her shift from romantic drama to darker themes. The balance between maintaining her established character and exploring new genres could lead to mixed reactions from her audience.

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• “It changed my life in every way possible,” — Lola Tung, Actress

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• “Women are so thoughtful when it comes to the conversations that you have on set,” — Lola Tung, Actress

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• “I got a little scared on set a couple times, actually, which has never really happened to me,” — Lola Tung, Actress

Lola Tung Teases Osgood Perkins’ ‘The Young People:’ “Crazy, Weird, Awesome”

Lola Tung's evolving career reflects her versatility as an actress, as she navigates the complexities of fame while exploring diverse roles in both romantic and horror genres.

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