(From left) John Arcilla, Daniel Padilla, Zanjoe Marudo. Images: Instagram/@johnarcilla, Instagram/@supremo_dp, Instagram/@onlyzanjoemarudo
Daniel Padilla is making a grand comeback to the big screen as he’s set to headline three films with John Arcilla, Zanjoe Marudo, and his long-term girlfriend Kathryn Bernardo.
Padilla’s return to film was announced during the “New Movie Alert” media conference on Thursday, April 27, a day after his 28th birthday. Debuting his new red hairdo at the event, the actor-singer said he is thrilled about his upcoming projects.
‘The Guest’
Padilla will be dipping his toes into the psychological suspense genre with the upcoming film “The Guest,” where he will be sharing the spotlight with the award-winning Arcilla.
When asked about working with the “Heneral Luna” star, Padilla said he’s “very excited” to work with an actor of the former’s caliber.
“I am very excited na gawin ‘tong film kasi napakahusay na aktor [si John Arcilla], and kung ganyan ang makakatrabaho mo, it just pushes you to do better pa,” he said.
“Matagal ko nang gustong gawin ito. I’m a fan of thrillers, suspense, kumbaga mind f***. Matagal na akong naghahanap ng [ganitong project,” he added.
SUPREMO AND HENERAL 🔥
LOOK: Daniel Padilla reveals he will star in the Jerrold Tarog-helmed film “The Guest” with award-winning actor John Arcilla, which will be produced by Black Sheep Productions. | 📷: Screengrab from ABS-CBN Star Cinema/Youtube via @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/L2PdtcvEQW
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) April 27, 2023
The Jerrold Tarog-film will revolve around darkness as it would follow a “mind f***” storyline. Also included in the team are writer Patrick Valencia, creative manager Kookai Labayen, and Black Sheep Productions.
“It is more of a psychological suspense thriller,” Tarog said. “I’m kind of imagining it na nasa modern na film noir. Marami siyang mga twists and turns. And bilang nasa puso ko ang kadiliman, medyo mind f*** na pelikula siya.”
“The Guest” filming would kick off this year and is slated for a 2024 release.
‘Nang Mapagod si Kamatayan’
Padilla will also show off his comedic chops with Zanjoe Marudo in the film “Nang Mapagod si Kamatayan,” which is based on a short story with the same name by National Artist on Film and Broadcast Ricky Lee.
According to the “2 Good 2 Be True” star, the movie would revolve around the “beauty of life.” Screenplay writer Carmi Raymundo revealed that Padilla immediately accepted the project upon hearing the title.
“Hindi na kami nag-pitch. Totoo ‘yun, noong title pa lang. Hindi ko pa alam [na sinulat pala siya ni Ricky Lee]. ‘Yung title na ‘Nang Mapagod si Kamatayan,’ parang [na-curious ako]. Then noong sinabi na si Ricky Lee, ito na ‘yun,” he said.
LOOK: Daniel Padilla will also work with “Dirty Linen” star Zanjoe Marudo for the film “Nang Mapagod si Kamatayan,” which is based on a short story by National Artist on Film and Broadcast Ricky Lee. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/B9No0mfDSG
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) April 27, 2023
Lee shared that he always wanted to work with Padilla, as he praised the actor’s “range.”
“Years ago, tinanong ako ng reporter sa TV kung sinong young star ang gusto kong makatrabaho. Isa lang binanggit ko eh, si Daniel Padilla,” he began. “And then, naging juror ako ng ‘Kung Maupay Man It Panahon’ sa Metro Manila Film Festival and siya yung bida, sabi ko ay dapat yata magkatrabaho nga kami,” he said.
The “buddy comedy” film is directed by Dan Villegas, and he will be joined by Raymundo and creative manager Vanessa Valdez. The movie’s production and release will all be done this 2023.
Untitled KathNiel film
Padilla then revealed that his reunion film with Bernardo will be directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina and that its premiere date will be in 2024. Additional details are still under wraps.
The movie comes six years after their hit film “The Hows of Us.”
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