2019 has been much ado with all things superhero-related over in Southeast Asia, particularly the Engkantos cinematic universe announced last summer which is set to include Epik Studios’ superhero adaptation, Pedro Penduko.
Actor Matteo Guidicelli (Saturday Night Chills, Across The Crescent Moon) is officially announced to star in the latest incarnation replacing actor James Reid, and with director Jason Paul Laxamana (Instaldo, Bakwit Boys) taking the helm; Respeto helmer Treb Monteras was previously attached to helm after Dan Villegas’ departure, with Reid starring at the time.
Regene Estolatan penned the script for the latest Engkantos induction based on his own 2016 VRJ publication, “Pedro Penduko: The Legend Begins”. Here’s a description of the comic from Epik:
Peter Harris feels like he doesn’t belong. A Filipino who lived all his life in the US where he grew up being bullied since grade school. Now 20 years old, he has had enough and wants to escape. Just then, his adoptive father passes away in a tragic accident involving something that nobody can explain.
It will all unfold to him when he goes back to the Philippines to look for his mother whom he hasn’t seen since he was an infant. When he finds her, he learns that she has been a victim of a curse given by the ruler of Eastern Kasamaan.
As he embarks on a journey to find a cure, he learns so much more than what he originally set out to discover. That he is no ordinary human, and that he may be the prophesied ‘chosen one’ who will save the entire town from the rising evil that threatens it.
However, does a loser and a whiny wimp like him has what it takes to take on the role of the new Pedro Penduko?
The comic book took off well early in the 20th century from author Francisco Coching, but didn’t take its first step into cinemas until 1954 from director Gerardo de Leon. Giudecelli, who took to Twitter on Friday to make it official, teased fans in August as talks for his placement as lead actor weren’t yet finalized (from ABS-CBN):
“I’ll be very, very happy to portray Pedro Penduko pero siyempre kailangan pa din ng training dahil iba ‘yung characteristics na meron si Pedro Penduko. It’s Kali (Filipino martial arts), it would be nice if I represent Filipino martial arts,” aniya.
Pero paglilinaw ng aktor: “Wala pa. We’re going through different meetings pa, let’s see for the confirmation. If ever, that would be good project and a big blessing.”
Sonny Sison (BuyBust, Maria) will be on hand to direct stunts and action for the film’s TBA release from Viva Films. (H/T: Sonny Sison)
