Dennis Trillo to play villain to Alden Richards in ‘Pulang Araw’

Dennis Trillo. Image: Cenon and Mav via Instagram/@aguilaartists

From playing the lead role in the last GMA primetime series “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” Dennis Trillo will return in yet another period drama, but this time, he will play villain opposite Alden Richards in “Pulang Araw.”

Trillo’s casting was confirmed by GMA, where he is set to portray the role of a Japanese soldier during World War II. As of this writing, further details about his character name and arc are yet to be disclosed.

But suffice it to say, Trillo is excited to take on the role of antagonist, as this has been a role that the actor admitted he’s long been waiting to take.

“Matagal ko na rin ‘tong hinihintay. Matagal ko nang hinihintay ang ganitong klaseng project — ganitong kabigat ang character. Ngayon naman as a kontrabida, may konting pressure pero mas nand’un ako sa pagkakaroon ng challenge bilang artista,” he said.

(I’ve been waiting for a role like this for a long time. I’ve been waiting for this type of project for quite some time — this heavy character. Now, as a villain, there’s pressure but I’m looking forward to the challenge as an actor.)

“Sa dami ng nagawa ko, kailangan ko ng isang mabigat na role na mag-iisip at pag-iisipan ko — bawat kilos, bawat galaw, at bawat dialogue. Excited ako,” he said.

(I’ve done so many projects that I was looking for a heavy role that requires me to think and be thought about — every move, gesture, and dialogue. I’m excited.)

During the interview, Trillo said he’s “excited” to share the spotlight with Richards, and be reunited with his “Maria Clara at Ibarra” co-stars Barbie Forteza and David Licauco, as well as his “Cain at Abel” leading lady Sanya Lopez.

“Excited ako magkaroon ng eksena kasama si Alden. Siya ‘yung hindi ko pa nakaka-eksena. Nakakatrabaho ko [pa lang] siya sa variety shows. Excited din akong mag-reunite with David and Barbie, at kay Sanya na nakatrabaho ko dati,” he said.

(I’m excited to be in a scene with Alden. I haven’t exchanged lines with him onscreen yet, we only worked together in variety shows. I’m also excited to reunite with David, Barbie, and Sanya whom I’ve worked with before.)

The challenge here, Trillo said, was to level-up his acting and give a convincing performance as a villain out to make life hard for Richard’s character.

“Pulang Araw” marks Trillo’s second time to be working on a project set during the Japanese Occupation in the Philippines. He previously starred as a trans woman Igna in the 2004 film “Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita.”

Apart from the leads, details about the upcoming series’ premiere date and synopsis are yet to be revealed.