Lola Tung, 22, has rapidly emerged as Hollywood’s newest “It Girl,” turning a single breakout television role into a string of fashion partnerships, a leading Broadway turn and multiple upcoming film projects as Amazon’s The Summer I Turned Pretty prepares to air its series finale Sept. 17.
Tung was cast as Isabel “Belly” Conklin after only school and community theatre experience, prompting her to take a leave from the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama to film the series in 2021. The show, adapted from Jenny Han’s novel, premiered in 2022 and quickly built a multigenerational audience and an intense online fandom that has both elevated Tung’s profile and prompted safety concerns for cast members.
Industry attention has translated into commercial partnerships and new creative opportunities. Tung is the face of a Coach line focused on sustainability and has worked with American Eagle, Vivaia, Gentle Monster and 404 Studio. She returned to musical theatre last year as Eurydice in a production of Hadestown in New York and is attached to two horror films in 2026, Forbidden Fruits and The Young People.
Publicity and brand executives say Tung’s swift rise is notable. PR consultant Chad Teixeira described her as “very much the embodiment of Hollywood’s ‘next big thing,’” citing her on-screen charisma, growing social media influence and the loyalty of her fan base. Teixeira said that, from a business perspective, it would not be surprising for Tung to begin commanding six-figure deals as she diversifies her work.
“Tung pairs commercial appeal with a genuine sense of artistry,” Teixeira said. “If she continues to align with the right scripts, diversify her portfolio, and leverage her growing influence with authenticity, she’s set to enjoy a career trajectory similar to some of today’s most successful leading women.” He also warned that young actors who rise quickly face the challenge of maintaining boundaries and choosing roles that avoid typecasting.
Tung has spoken publicly about the pace of her career and the mixed responses the show has generated. She told The New York Times she knew the series “would be special” but that nothing could fully prepare her for how much her life would change after its release. Speaking to Teen Vogue, Tung condemned online threats directed at cast members and urged fans not to conflate actors with their characters.
“The show isn’t real but the people playing the characters are,” the series’ social accounts wrote in response to threats. Tung told reporters, “Please don’t threaten to kill someone if something doesn’t go your way — I promise you, it’s not that serious,” and praised author Jenny Han’s stewardship of the story.
Tung’s background is rooted in the performing arts. A native of Long Island, she attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, a New York City institution known for producing performers such as Timothée Chalamet and Jennifer Aniston. She has described growing up in an artistic household and seeing her first Broadway show at age five. After LaGuardia she enrolled at Carnegie Mellon before leaving to film the Amazon series.
Critics and fans have debated the choices and moral ambiguity of the show’s protagonist, but Tung has embraced the opportunity to explore a complex, divisive character. She has said the role taught her “a lot” and credited the experience with helping her grow professionally.
Tung’s public image and fashion sense have become part of her appeal. Her red-carpet and street-style looks—ballet-inspired shoes, lace headwear and colorful tights—have drawn attention from style editors and designers, and she has worked with stylist Britt McCamey. Observers note that the combination of an accessible media persona and visible fashion partnerships helps attract both commercial and creative offers.
Alongside commercial work, Tung is expanding her acting résumé. She has described her role in Forbidden Fruits as markedly different from The Summer I Turned Pretty and said the film offered the chance to work with veteran actresses and learn on set. Industry hiring for young actors often follows such a mix of prestige, commercial and stage credits as managers and brands look for sustained visibility.
As the series closes, Tung faces choices that could shape whether her rise proves durable. Advisors and industry observers say selecting varied projects and setting personal boundaries will be important to avoid the pitfalls that can accompany rapid fame. Tung has signaled an interest in “dipping her toe into everything,” telling Vogue in 2024 that she wants to keep exploring different artistic worlds.
With a high-profile finale looming and multiple projects on the horizon, Tung’s next moves will be watched closely by fans, brands and industry executives assessing whether a breakout turn can be translated into long-term stardom.