Charles Nathan hoping ‘nudity, kissing another man’ would usher in dramatic roles

Charles Nathan

While his entry to show biz happened via roles that could be deemed daring, newcomer Charles Nathan is optimistic that these are just starting blocks, and that he will be able to eventually transition into a dramatic actor.

“Maybe it just so happened that this is how I got noticed. But for my future projects, I hope I can focus on drama, or have a chance to play different roles, like a villain or matinee idol,” he said in a recent story conference for the coming-of-age film “Anak ng Macho Dancer,” which premieres on Jan. 30 on the digital platform KTX.ph.

Another goal of the 20-year-old actor is to land a role in a soap opera and work for her favorite actress, Sue Ramirez.

“Sue is my crush, because she’s good at acting and has a nice singing voice. I also dream of working with Kathryn Bernardo and Liza Soberano,” he said. “As for male actors, John Lloyd Cruz is my idol. I look up to him when it comes to drama. He’s just so good. His eyes alone show so much emotions.”

Charles, who was discovered through his video uploads to the social media app TikTok, had appeared in the BL or boys love series “Unlocked” and the online digital series “Beki Problems,” where he kissed a guy. “It was my first time to kiss another man, so I had to really think about it. I was nervous on the day of shooting. I just kept in my mind that it would be for the project’s good,” he said.

“Anak,” which had him playing Mario, one of the main dancers, was more challenging, because it required nudity.

“I did kissing scenes in the past. And I wasn’t used to taking off my clothes. But here, I did a shower scene… and dancing scenes, of course,” he pointed out, adding that he wasn’t pushed to do anything he wasn’t comfortable with.

What made Charles take on the project?

“I thought about it carefully before accepting. The story matters. But the main reason I did it was because Joel Lamangan is the director,” he said of the movie, which is produced by Godfather Productions and also stars Sean de Guzman, Rosanna Roces, as well as Jaclyn Jose and Alan Paule, who starred in the original Lino Brocka film “Macho Dancer.” “Anak” follows Inno (Sean), a young man who finds validation through social media. He resorts to prostitution during the pandemic to escape the cruelty of his drug-addicted father. However, he ends up in danger, after being lured by a rich businessman, who turns out to be a psychopathic sexual sadist.

Asked if he’s nervous about his family’s reaction to his role, Charles said his parents are looking forward to watching him.

“They actually didn’t know about my projects prior to this. But this time, I asked for their permission so they won’t get shocked! Mas matindi kasi ang ginawa ko dito,” he said. “They’re even more excited to watch than me. They thought it was going to be shown in cinemas.”

After “Anak,” Charles, who has been taking acting workshops with acclaimed actress Ruby Ruiz, can finally start with his venture into drama. He’s also part of the movie “Kontrabida,” which will be topbilled by Superstar Nora Aunor.

“I’m excited and nervous to work with her, especially since I’m set to have several scenes and dialogue with her. But I will give it my best shot,” he said. INQ