Why some eagerly awaited ‘reunion’ movies aren’t happening just yet

Aga Muhlach (left) and Sharon Cuneta

For years now, some hit movie love teams’ “diehard” fans have been eagerly awaiting the production and release of their “reunion” films—but, those comeback vehicles have been very long in coming.

What seems to be the problem? Other veteran love teams, like the pluperfectly photogenic pairing of Dawn Zulueta and Richard Gomez, have come up with their “maturing” big-screen updates, to their fans’ nostalgic delight—so, why have others taken years to do the same?

In many cases, the main reason is a really weighty one: one of the veteran stars involved in the “romance revisited” equation is now too plump or downright obese to be acceptably “ready for love” on the big screen.

That’s why, whenever we bump into them at celebrity bashes, we (politely) remind and motivate our “physically prosperous” stars to feistily fight the “battle of the bulge” for their careers’ and fans’ sake.

In many cases, they’re too young to be relegated to parent or grandparent roles, and can still pass muster as inspiring exponents of “maturing” love—so, it’s time to hit the gym instead of the smorgasbord spread.

We know that some “plumped-up” stars resent our nagging and niggling reminders.

In some instances, we’ve gotten on the bad and peeved side of some erstwhile stellar friends—but, we still politely persevered, because we believe in their maturing thespic talent and know that, if they shape up, they’ve still got some more memorable screen portrayals left in them.

In Aga Muhlach’s case, the “big difference” is no longer that bulky and hulky anymore, since he’s lost a substantial amount of excess poundage.

If he determinedly keeps at it, he could be “camera-ready” later this year, which would make fans of the Aga-Dayanara (Torres) and Aga-Lea (Salonga) love teams ecstatic.

They’ve kept hoping for reunion films from Aga and his “signature” leading ladies, because their hit movies keep being screened on our movie channels, glossy and glittering reminders of the big-screen magic they once beautifully conjured up—and could again, once Aga really gets back to fighting form.

As for the Aga-Sharon (Cuneta) team-up made popular by the film, “Kung Ako Na Lang Sana,” it will have to wait even longer to be revived onscreen, because Sharon is currently contending with her own weight and girth issues.

But, the two stars are so well-matured in talent, experience and screen charisma that, when (not if) it does finally get produced, it should be worth the very long wait.

What about Sharon-Gabby (Concepcion)? Since they were an “official” couple, their reunion movie is being anticipated most eagerly of all. He looks trimmer than her, but can still afford to lose a few more pounds.

If they both get back to fighting and movie-headlining trim, Gabby-Sharon fans can realistically look forward to belatedly but blissfully savoring their reunion film—which could end up as the big hit of Film Year 2018 (knock on wish-fulfilling “would”).