After 3-year break, Enrique Gil to play porn star in comedy project
Enrique Gil
“I didn’t think I’d miss [show biz], but I did,” said actor Enrique Gil, who is returning after a three-year break by starring in a comedy film, titled “I am Not Big Bird,” which he will also be coproducing with ABS-CBN Films’ Blacksheep and Kroma Entertainment’s Anima Studios.
Enrique’s own company Make-A-Break Productions is also working on a TV series for ABS-CBN that is set for release in 2024.
Victor Villanueva’s “I am Not Big Bird” is Enrique’s first venture into producing. “Now that I can freely choose what I want to do, I prefer taking on projects that I’ve not done in the past. This is so that when I’m old, I can look back and say, ‘Wow! I was able to create this,’” said Enrique, admitting that reading the script for the first time made him doubt his decision.
“It’s also that concern, that reservation, that eventually made me say ‘yes’ to it. It turned out to be a wonderful material,” Enrique told reporters who attended Anima Studio’s first anniversary celebration on Wednesday night.
According to Anima head and managing director Bianca Balbuena-Liew, Enrique was so involved in the creative development that he suggested various revisions on the script. “A lot of the new input in the dialogues were from him. That’s how dedicated he is,” she added.
Enrique was involved in picking the rest of the cast, as well. “Asking Pepe (Herrera) to be part of this was a no brainer. He is such an intelligent actor. Since this is comedy, I said, ‘This can’t be fake.’ I knew then that I had to get Pepe, as well as Red (Ollero), who is a stand-up comedian,” explained Enrique. “Meanwhile, Nikko (Natividad) is a pro. He’s one funny guy. He is perfect for the role. When we had a script-reading session the other day, it made perfect sense to me that I’m with them.”
Gil (left) with the other cast of “ I am Not Big Bird,” (from left) Pepe Herrera, Red Ollero and Niko Natividad
‘Only crazy people’
Palanca winner Lilit Reyes cowrote the script with Joma Labayen. “Enrique asked us to push the story further. He said only crazy people can be part of this film,” added Lilit. “This is all about male bonding and what for them is the ideal romantic relationship. The guys will surely have a lot of adventures in Thailand.”
Indeed, 70 percent of the film will be shot in Thailand, reported Victor. Enrique plays Luis Carpio, a 30-year-old virgin who gets dumped by his girlfriend of five years soon after he proposes marriage to her. Carpio reconnects with his barkada and goes on a crazy adventure with them. Little does he know that he has an uncanny resemblance to Big Bird, a famous porn star in Thailand. “I will play Big Bird, too. That’s when the adventure starts,” Enrique told reporters.
Creating Make-A-Break Productions with his manager Ranvel Rufino “felt amazing,” said Enrique. “A year ago, I thought I only wanted a quiet life, a life away from show biz. I just wanted to focus on my business, but the situation didn’t sit well with me. I couldn’t just leave the industry behind without leaving worthwhile projects. Now, I want to push Filipino content not just locally, but also abroad,” he began. “When I’m already too old to act in front of the camera, at least, I will still be able to provide entertainment to Filipinos.”
‘So irreverent’
Enrique said he wasn’t worried that he would be “alienating” his supporters, who are used to seeing him in romantic films, by venturing into comedy.
I’ve always been a fan of comedy films. My dad was a comedian, a magician, a clown. Laughter was really the best medicine for him,” the actor said. “Now that I’m back, I want to do something different but more than anything, I want to have a good time, to laugh life’s stresses away. Since I grew up watching my dad, I want to see myself do it, too.”
Enrique predicted that since he has been gone for a while, “It would feel all new to me again. ‘Di na ako sanay mag-taping. I know I’ll be ready when we get to the set,” he declared.
Victor described “I am Not Big Bird” as a comedy film that is “so irreverent that I feel we will get banned [from screening in theaters].” He added: “I was surprised that the cast is game to all the craziness. As far as preparations of the cast go, they already have good chemistry. It’s like they’ve been friends for a long time. I just want more of that in the film.”
The film’s Thai partner is producer Soros Sukhum, who has Palme d’Or winner “Memoria,” as well as the drama series “Hunger,” currently streaming on Netflix, under his belt.
Meanwhile, Enrique signed a new contract with ABS-CBN in April. He added that the concept for his new Kapamilya teleserye was something his production outfit pitched.
As for his other upcoming projects, he said “Everything has been laid out. They’re all in different genres that we either haven’t done or seen before.”
