The controversy between Liza Soberano and Kathryn Bernardo regarding the lead role in the film Hello, Love, Goodbye has generated a significant amount of discussion in the Philippine entertainment industry. The issue revolves around a series of events that took place during the casting process of the movie, which eventually led to Kathryn being cast as the lead instead of Liza. What started as a professional decision quickly turned into a public debate, with Liza accusing Kathryn of being a “hypocrite” for accepting the role. The drama that unfolded was not only about a movie role, but also about the dynamics of showbiz, professional relationships, and how both actresses were perceived by their fans and the media.

The Initial Casting Process

Hello, Love, Goodbye is a romantic drama film that was released in 2019, directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina. It was produced by Star Cinema and became a massive success at the box office, both in the Philippines and internationally. The movie was widely praised for its fresh take on romance, as well as the performances of its lead actors, Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards.

However, before Kathryn was confirmed as the lead actress, Liza Soberano had initially been offered the role. At the time, Liza was one of the biggest stars in Philippine cinema and television. Her portrayal of strong, empowered women in her past roles had earned her a loyal fan base and a respected reputation in the industry. When Liza declined the role, it raised eyebrows and fueled speculation.

There were various reasons that Liza cited for stepping back from the project. One of the main factors was reportedly her desire to focus on her health and personal life. She had been dealing with some physical and emotional challenges, including issues with her hand, which had affected her ability to perform certain scenes. Additionally, Liza had been juggling multiple projects and commitments, and it seemed that she needed a break to avoid burnout.

Despite Liza’s decision to decline the role, Hello, Love, Goodbye was an important film for Star Cinema, and the production team quickly began looking for a suitable replacement. That’s when Kathryn Bernardo, who was also a top-tier actress in the industry, was offered the role. Kathryn had gained immense popularity and success through her long-running love team partnership with Daniel Padilla, and her reputation as a versatile and talented actress made her an obvious choice.

The Controversy Unfolds

Liza Soberano’s comments about the casting change came after the movie’s release. In an interview, Liza revealed that she had felt disappointed and hurt by how the casting process was handled. She claimed that she had been treated unfairly and that there was a lack of transparency. Liza also mentioned that she had been “left out” of important conversations and felt like her feelings were disregarded when the decision was made to replace her with Kathryn.

In her remarks, Liza accused Kathryn Bernardo of being a “hypocrite” for accepting the role after Liza had initially been considered for it. The implication behind Liza’s statement was that Kathryn might have been aware of the circumstances surrounding her own casting and the fact that Liza was no longer part of the project due to personal reasons. Liza’s words seemed to suggest that Kathryn’s decision to take on the role, despite knowing that Liza was initially attached to it, was somewhat opportunistic or even insensitive.

On the other hand, Kathryn Bernardo never directly responded to Liza’s accusations. Kathryn remained gracious and professional in public, continuing to promote Hello, Love, Goodbye as a milestone in her career. Her silence on the matter may have been a strategic move to avoid escalating the situation further, as she was focused on the success of the film and her own reputation.

Fans and Public Opinion

As the controversy unfolded, fans of both Liza and Kathryn weighed in on the situation. Liza’s loyal supporters were quick to defend her, arguing that she had every right to feel upset about how things were handled.

They pointed out that Liza had been a key figure in the industry for years and deserved more respect. Some fans felt that the media and Star Cinema had not given Liza the support she needed during this difficult time.

Kathryn’s fans, on the other hand, rallied behind her, emphasizing her talent and dedication to her craft. They argued that Kathryn had earned the role on her own merit and that Liza’s criticisms were unfair to Kathryn, who had nothing to do with the initial casting decisions.

Some believed that Liza’s comments were a result of personal frustration, but they also felt that the two actresses should have been more supportive of each other, rather than allowing their rivalry to be played out publicly.

The Aftermath and Moving Forward

In the aftermath of the controversy, both Liza and Kathryn continued to build their careers. Liza, who had been quite vocal about her desire to expand her opportunities beyond the Philippines, eventually made the decision to move to the United States to pursue international projects.

She signed with the same talent agency that represents some of Hollywood’s top stars, signaling her intent to broaden her career and take on more diverse roles.

Kathryn, meanwhile, continued to enjoy success in her career, particularly after the success of Hello, Love, Goodbye. She cemented her position as one of the top actresses in the Philippines, receiving numerous accolades for her performance in the film. Kathryn also starred in several other major projects, building on the momentum from Hello, Love, Goodbye.

Despite the tension that arose between the two actresses, time has allowed for some reflection. Liza and Kathryn have each carved out their own path in the industry, and it seems that their fans are ready to move past the controversy.

However, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of the entertainment world, where decisions are often made behind the scenes, and public perceptions can be heavily influenced by rumors and media portrayal.

Ultimately, the Hello, Love, Goodbye controversy highlights the difficulties of balancing personal decisions with professional opportunities in a highly competitive industry.

Whether Liza and Kathryn will ever reconcile or publicly address the issue remains uncertain, but both actresses continue to thrive in their respective careers, proving their resilience in the face of public scrutiny.