Hoang Ha and "The last wish"

Hoàng Hà Studied Real-Life Lesbian Couples for Her Role as Thy in The Last Wish, Put 200% into Fight Scenes, and Revealed Her True Personality Off-Screen.

Studied LGBTQ+ Films for the Role, Poured 200% Energy into Fight Scenes

• Thy in The Last Wish is an LGBT character, totally different from Dao Ánh in Em và Trịnh. How did you prepare for this transformation?

Bảo Thy is a lesbian character with a strong, free-spirited, blunt yet affectionate personality. I realized I already had a natural sensitivity, so I focused on highlighting the bold and confident aspects. I exercised more, especially playing badminton, to embody a more physically strong and energetic feel.

Most importantly, I explored the lives of real lesbian individuals. I used to only see female-female couples where one is more tomboyish and the other feminine. But director Doan Si Nguyen envisioned Bảo Thy as a feminine girl who loves another feminine girl. I studied lesbian couples on Instagram and watched LGBTQ+ films to understand and connect with the role.

I also spoke with some of my lesbian friends. That helped me realize that love is simply love, regardless of gender. Back in university, I joined the “Hug & Say Love” campaign to support equal happiness rights for the LGBTQ+ community.

The big challenge was that I had just one month to switch from the character Thảo in Dreams of You to Bảo Thy. I had to quickly shed the previous role and throw myself into the new one.

• The friendship between Thy, Hoàng, and Long is emotionally significant. How did you build chemistry with Avin Lu and Quỳnh Lý?

At first, there was a bit of awkwardness. Even though we had worked together in Em và Trịnh 4–5 years ago, we’ve all changed since then. Every reunion felt like a new beginning.

We overcame this through script reading sessions, cast meetings, and acting workshops. Each meeting deepened our bond through conversations and shared experiences. Knowing we’d be working together for a while, we started to build emotional connections early on.

Fun outings like dinners and karaoke with the director and screenwriter helped too. On set, we took our work seriously and held ourselves to high standards for every scene.

The constant discussions and deep script analysis strengthened our friendship. When we spoke about our characters, it naturally brought us closer. By the time we filmed, we didn’t need to “act” the intimacy anymore—it was already there.

• The Last Wish uses 18+ elements to deliver a humanistic message. How does this enhance the story of Thy and her friends?

The 18+ elements add intrigue and keep viewers curious. On their journey to fulfill Hoàng’s wish, Thy and Long face many impossible challenges. Conflicts and disagreements help them grow and reveal their true selves. The audience will see Bảo Thy not just as brash, but also caring, sincere, and passionate about her friends.

There are vulnerable moments—like when Hoàng’s mother says: “So you two turned out this way?” That line hits hard as Thy is outed at school and feeling extremely fragile. She replies, “If I’m really that messed up, would you still love me?”—calling herself “messed up” even though it’s not true.

Through that journey, their friendship blossoms beautifully. Audiences will also see the importance of family support—parents truly love their kids, just in their own way. It takes trials for both sides to learn how to love each other right.

• What was the most physically challenging moment during filming?

The biggest challenge was the fight scene with the Đại Dương gang. We only had two rehearsals due to tight schedules. The scene required a lot of strength, especially the part where Bảo Thy “flies” mid-fight. It took serious physical and mental energy to pull it off. I’ll never forget that scene—I gave it 200%.

Image: Hoàng Hà as Thy in The Last Wish

Off-screen, She’s a Lively “Cartoon Character,” Not the Dreamy Muse Fans Know

• What moment made you feel like you had finally stepped into the spotlight?

I began acting in 2015, self-taught for 4–5 years before landing my first film role in Em và Trịnh (2019–2020). Back then, I only focused on doing my job well, not on titles or fame.

The most special moment was receiving an invitation that read “To actress Hoàng Hà.” I was so touched and excited—it was the first time I was called that. Since then, through each project, people have gradually come to know me as a film actress.

• What did you learn from working with Lee Kwang Soo in Dreams of You*?*

Before Dreams of You, I had the chance to work with renowned directors like Phan Gia Nhật Linh, Trần Hữu Tuấn, and Bùi Tiến Huy through projects such as Em và Trịnh, Kẻ Ăn Hồn, Chúng Ta Của 8 Năm Sau. They are all incredibly talented—both a blessing and a reward.

With Dreams of You, half the crew was Korean. Each team leader was from Korea. My Korean language skills helped me grasp the director’s vision quickly, sometimes even before the interpreter stepped in.

Working with an international crew taught me about professionalism and meticulous processes. What I once considered overly strict turned out to be standard for them. That gave me more confidence in having high expectations for myself.

• How do you balance a busy career and personal life?

It’s always hard. When I have breaks, I travel—leave the city to live a few days in rural or coastal areas. People there are pure and simple, which helps me reconnect with my truest self.

When I can’t take time off, I remind myself that tough times don’t last forever. At home, I let go of pressure and allow my mind to rest.

Sometimes, the exhaustion isn’t overwhelming but still hard to shake. In those moments, I cry—it’s a natural healing method. Then I get a good night’s sleep. By morning, my love for cinema is reignited.

• You’re known for your gentle, muse-like image. What surprises people the most when they get to know you?

I have a mix of fun traits—I’m playful, humorous, love mischief, but also deep and enjoy meaningful conversations. This combination makes people feel intrigued when they get to know me.

I’m empathetic and caring. When I’m not swamped, I take good care of others and often do thoughtful things for loved ones before they even ask.

What most contrasts with my “dreamy muse” image is that in real life, I’m like a cartoon character—very expressive, lively, and animated, nothing like the calm, ethereal roles I’ve played in MVs or films.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPih-Q4CZZ0