Miguel Tanfelix, Tom Cruise. Images: Instagram/@voltesvlegacy, Instagram/@topgunmovie
Miguel Tanfelix said that Tom Cruise’s character Pete Mitchell from the “Top Gun” film series was one of his inspirations for his role Steve Armstrong in “Voltes V: Legacy.”
While researching for his “Voltes V: Legacy” character, Tanfelix revealed on GMA-7’s “24 Oras” on Tuesday, May 2 that he took some cues from Cruise’s role from his hit film “Top Gun: Maverick,” which was released in 2022.
“Si Tom Cruise ng ‘Top Gun,’ lalo na ‘yung ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ feeling ko siya ‘yung pinakamalapit kay Steve Armstrong,” he said, citing that Steve and Pete are both pilots and they ride motorcycles. (I feel like Steve Armstrong’s personality is closest to Tom Cruise of “Top Gun,” especially “Top Gun: Maverick.)
Meanwhile, the Kapuso star admitted that he shares the same level of determination as his “Voltes V: Legacy” character in real life.
“Marami-rami [kaming similarities]. Kung merong gusto si Steve, kukunin niya. Ganun din si Miguel. If meron akong gusto, paga-aralan ko ‘yung bagay na ‘yun then gagawin ko kung anong kailangan gawin no matter what,” he said.
“Very mapagmahal si [Steve] pero reserved siya dahil leader siya. Kailangan niyang maging matigas at dahil siya ang tumatayong parents sa kanyang mga kapatid. Mahirap ‘yung buhay ni Steve pero kailangan niya magpakatatag dahil tinitingala siya ng maraming tao,” he further added.
(We share a lot of similarities. If Steve wants something, he will do everything to get it. Miguel is like that as well. If I want something, I’m going to do my best to learn the ropes and be determined to do it no matter what. Steve is a very loving person but he seemed reserved because he is the leader of his team. He needs to be firm since he’s also the parents of his little brothers. Steve has a hard life, but he needs to be strong because a lot of people look up to him.)
The actor also shared that he underwent motorcycle training and firearms training to prepare for the role.
“‘Yung pinaka importanteng way para mas makilala mo ‘yung character mo is gawin mo ‘yung ginagawa niya. So, si Steve, nagmo-motor. Nag-training akong mag-motor. Natutunan kong magpatakbo ng motor nang mabilis, natuto rin akong humawak ng firearms,” he said.
(The most important way to know your character is to do what he does. Steve rides motorcycles, so I learned how to ride one as well. I learned how to make the motorcycle run fast, and I also discovered how to hold firearms properly.)
During the interview, Tanfelix also admitted that he shared a close bond with his co-star Ysabel Ortega, although he has yet to disclose the status of their relationship behind the cameras.
“Noong pandemic, lock-in, marami kaming pinagsamahan, mas may time na makilala ang isa’t isa. Kung ide-describe ko si Ysabel, siya ay matinong babae. Bonus na lang na maganda, matalino, mabait, mapagbigay, mahinahon,” he said. (We developed a close relationship and learned more about each other during lock-in taping amid the pandemic. If I can describe Ysabel, she’s a good woman. Her being beautiful, smart, kind, generous, and patient are just a bonus.)
The local adaptation of the hit Japanese anime stars Tanfelix (Steve Armstrong), Ortega (Jamie Robinson), Radson Flores (Mark Gordon), Matt Lozano (Big Bert Armstrong), and Raphael Landicho (Little Jon Armstrong). It will premiere on May 8.
“Voltes V: Legacy” director Mark Reyes revealed during a media conference for the series that the “100% Filipino made” project is an opportunity to showcase Filipino talent. EDV