MANILA, Philippines — Actress Bela Padilla sees no problem with being the second choice after Nadine Lustre as lead actress in the Filipino adaptation of Korean film “Miracle Cell in No. 7.”
“Hindi po,” Padilla said Wednesday when asked if she minds about being the second choice for the role during the set of her series “Sino ang Maysala?: Mea Culpa.”
“Hindi rin po ito first time. Kahit yung ‘100 Tula Para Kay Stella,’ hindi po ako first choice. I really believe it’s what you bring to the project,” she continued, referring to her 2017 romantic film with JC Santos helmed by Jason Paul Laxamana.
It was recently announced that Padilla would be replacing Lustre in the film which will compete in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
READ: Bela Padilla to replace Nadine Lustre as lead in ‘Miracle in Cell No. 7’ remake — MMFF spox
“I’m very happy to take over the role. I’m used to doing this naman. I’m aware na hindi naman tayo laging first choice for a project,” Padilla said.
“But as a fan of Korean shows and movies, I’m very excited to be given a chance to try and portray the character,” she added.
Padilla will be paired for the first time with Aga Muhlach, and the actress admitted being nervous to work with the seasoned actor.
“May stress. Kinakabahan ako sobra pero ayoko muna siyang isipin. Gusto ko muna tapusin itong ‘Sino ang Maysala?’” Padilla said.
“Miracle Cell No. 7” is a 2013 multi-awarded Korean comedy-drama film starring Ryu Seung-ryong, Kal So-won, and Park Shin-hye.
It tells the story of a mentally challenged man who was wrongfully imprisoned and was helped by criminals in his cell to see his daughter again. /je