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Lola Tung is having her biggest career moment yet. The 23-year-old actress opens up about the Summer I Turned Pretty movie, two chilling horror films, and the life-changing journey from audition tape to Hollywood star.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Podcast Debut: Lola appeared on Variety’s inaugural “Up Next” podcast on March 27, 2026, discussing her major projects
- TSITP Movie Status: No script yet received, but writer Jenny Han is already in talks about story ideas
- Forbidden Fruits: Horror comedy premiered at SXSW in March 2026 with Diablo Cody producing
- The Young People: Osgood Perkins horror thriller with Nicole Kidman, Nico Parker, and Tatiana Maslany releasing in 2026
From Belly Conklin to Blockbuster Star
Lola Tung has become a household name since playing Isabel “Belly” Conklin in Prime Video’s hit series. The actress sent in her audition tape during her freshman year at Carnegie Mellon University, recording it right in her college apartment. “I always want to go back and take classes,” she reflects, but that callback changed everything. She never finished her degree.
In her first-ever podcast appearance, Tung revealed the massive impact the show has had. “It changed my life in every way possible,” she stated candidly. “It gave me a career.” Now she’s navigating sequels, horror films, and the pressures of sudden fame while staying grounded through voice and dance training.
Lola Tung talks Summer I Turned Pretty movie and two new horror films Forbidden Fruits and The Young People alongside Nicole Kidman
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The Summer I Turned Pretty Movie Continuation
Fans have long speculated about Belly’s future in a film continuation, and Tung is actively collaborating with showrunner Jenny Han on the project. However, she joked that when told a treatment was “reportedly circulating,” she laughed: “No one sent it to me.” She’s been having conversations about story direction but hasn’t yet seen an official script.
When imagining where Belly and love interest Conrad Fisher end up, Tung envisions them as independent young adults. She pictures Belly “living her life in Paris” while Conrad pursues his medical career. As for the eternal Team Conrad versus Team Jeremiah debate, Tung says she has her own team preference from reading the books, but it’s ultimately creator Jenny Han’s story to tell.
Diving Into Horror with Bold New Projects
Forbidden Fruits marks a thrilling tonal shift for Tung. The witchy horror comedy, produced by Diablo Cody, co-stars Lili Reinhart and was directed by Meredith Alloway. It premiered at SXSW in March 2026 and compares favorably to cult classics like “Jennifer’s Body” and “The Craft” for its female-driven storytelling.
| Detail | Information |
| Release Year | 2026 |
| Director | Meredith Alloway |
| Co-Stars | Lili Reinhart, Victoria Pedretti, Alexandra Shipp, Emma Chamberlain |
| Producer | Diablo Cody |
“Women are so thoughtful when it comes to the conversations that you have on set.”
— Lola Tung, on working with female directors
Working with Nicole Kidman and Osgood Perkins
The Young People, directed by rising horror filmmaker Osgood Perkins (known for “Longlegs”), marks another bold choice. Tung stars alongside Oscar winner Nicole Kidman, Nico Parker, Tatiana Maslany, and Johnny Knoxville in this psychological thriller. The plot follows two school friends as their bond turns sinister when one exhibits increasingly disturbing behavior.
“The experience was crazy, weird, and awesome,” Tung described the set. She even admitted: “I got a little scared on set a couple times.” Working with Kidman was particularly significant. “Nicole, I mean, obviously, what a force and icon,” she gushed about her acclaimed co-star. The film goes wide through Neon in 2026.
What’s Next for Lola Tung Beyond 2026?
Tung is charting a deliberate path forward in an industry that moves fast. She’s been spotted dancing with rising star Hudson Williams at Gold House’s Lunar New Year party in February, a moment she cherished. “You almost instantly have this connection of like, ‘We get each other,'” she said of their instant rapport. Both navigate sudden fame as young actors.
Beyond her film projects, Tung made her Broadway debut in “Hadestown” and hasn’t ruled out returning to stage work. “I’m down to do it again,” she says. As her career trajectory continues upward with blockbuster franchises, horror prestige projects, and collaborative opportunities with acclaimed directors, one thing remains clear: Lola Tung’s 2026 is just the beginning.
Sources
- Variety – Lola Tung’s “Up Next” podcast interview featuring exclusive quotes on TSITP movie and horror projects
- IMDB – Filmography and casting information for Forbidden Fruits and The Young People
- Deadline – Production updates on horror films and casting announcements
