Richard Gutierrez on his supporting role in ‘KathNiel’ starrer: I’d be stupid to refuse it

Richard Gutierrez

I didn’t expect this offer. I’d be really stupid to refuse it,” said Richard Gutierrez on Wednesday on joining the cast of the fantasy-adventure series, “La Luna Sangre.”

Richard plays Zandrino—the supreme vampire—in the latest ABS-CBN fantaserye starring Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, aka the “KathNiel” love team.

“An offer like this doesn’t come very often. I’m not going to take it for granted,” added Richard.

He said he prepared for the role because he knew it would be physically demanding.

“I’ve been doing my own stunts for the longest time, and I’m aware of the demands. I know that I will be made to use harness in most scenes and that it will require a lot from my lower back. I had to strengthen that,” he explained.

On working with KathNiel, Richard said he already met them and found them to be “very nice kids.”

He added: “I’m excited to work with them. At a young age, they have already accomplished a lot. I respect that. I used to be part of several love teams, so I know how it feels to be spending long hours at work.”

Richard Gutierrez as Zandrino in “La Luna Sangre”

Pointers

When asked for pointers for Daniel, Richard said: “Daniel has a great team behind him. I’ll just tell him to enjoy the journey.”

Richard will also be part of the Star Cinema-produced film, “Wife, Husband, Wife,” which will also feature Angel Locsin and Angelica Panganiban.

“When it rains, it pours. I’m thankful for the opportunity given to me. I’m going to embrace it,” Richard told reporters. “It felt good to have been given such a grand welcome here. I am happy to be where I am now. I will give my best, now that I am with ABS-CBN.”

Richard was last seen on television in the TV5 adaptation of Carlo J. Caparas’ “Ang Panday.” On the big screen, his last project was the 2014 GMA Films-produced thriller, “Overtime.”

“I’ve been away for a while. I chose to rest, to step back and reflect on what matters to me and my family. I chose to reenergize myself,” he recalled.

“While I was away from the limelight, I couldn’t help but ask if show biz was really for me. I thought maybe I could go somewhere else. I guess God has other plans for me,” the 33-year-old actor added:

GMA 7 recently revived the fantaserye “Mulawin,” which Richard helped popularize in 2005. It is now titled “Mulawin vs Ravena.”

On being a cast member of a competing fantaserye, Richard replied: “I’m thankful for what GMA 7 has done for me. It helped shape me as an individual, but I am happy where I am now.”