With a powerhouse cast, creative team, and a compelling story to put you at the edge of your seat, Cattleya Killer promises nothing short of world-class storytelling.
It seems that ABS-CBN has been consistently putting us at the edge of our seats with their recent offerings. From big-screen comebacks of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla to the Joshua Garcia-led Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan, 2023 sure looks like a big year for the media giant and for all the excited Pinoy fans. And this June, another action-filled crime thriller is set to give you the terrors and thrills courtesy of ABS-CBN once again. It’s called Cattleya Killer and it packs an intense cinematic experience you don’t want to miss. Here are five of the reasons why.
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A COUPLE OF FIRSTS
First of all, you need to know that Cattleya Killer is unlike any other show that ABS-CBN has made. Produced by ABS-CBN International Production and Nathan Studios, the six-part serial killer series is quite a historic project that was years in the making.
Cattleya Killer is the first Filipino series to premiere at MIPCOM (International Co-Production & Entertainment Content Market) in Cannes, the largest content market in the world where key television industry stakeholders “compete for new series, source international production partners and set development agenda for the coming year.”
And to emphasize the quality of storytelling and production of Cattleya Killer, it only took ABS-CBN four short days after presenting the series’ pilot episode to find a global distribution partner in Prime Video. This marks the first series collaboration between Prime Video and ABS-CBN.
“We’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries and to deliver world-class entertainment made by the best Filipino talents,” says David Simonsen, director of Prime Video Southeast Asia. “We believe with its gripping storyline, dynamic characters, and stunning performances, Cattleya Killer will keep our audiences at the edge of their seats.”
POWERHOUSE CAST
When we say “quality,” it extends to the caliber of performances that you’ll witness in Cattleya Killer. At the center of it all is 2020 Asian Academy Creative Awards best actor Arjo Atayde as top agent-turned-prime suspect Anton dela Rosa. He’s joined by Christopher de Leon, Jake Cuenca, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Jane Oineza, Ria Atayde, Ricky Davao, and Nonie Buencamino. Talk about a tour-de-force ensemble.
THE PLOT
Helmed by Dan Villegas with screenplay by genre master Dodo Dayao, Cattleya Killer follows the investigation of a series of murders by a serial killer whose murderous antics (like leaving Cattleya flowers on his victims) are similar to an infamous murderer believed to be long dead for decades. Anton dela Rosa (Atayde) the son of a cop who solved the original case, becomes more and more of a suspect as past traumas and long-buried secrets are brought to the fore.
“Crime stories have always been fan favorites, proven by the success of different true-crime series across different formats and territories,” shares Ruel Bayani, head of ABS-CBN International Production and Cattleya Killer’s executive producer. “And for us, the Philippines’ Cattleya Killer is another must-watch, as it tackles the dark human psyche. It also showcases issues rooted in family, government, and society.” And by the looks of the official trailer, the tension, terror, and thrill are sure to satisfy us all.
SPINOFF OF A PINOY CLASSIC
Another interesting fact about Cattleya Killer is that it serves as a sequel to Rory Quintos’s 1996 psychological drama thriller Sa Aking Mga Kamay. Arjo Atayde will take the mantle playing the role that was originally played by Aga Muhlach as a charismatic man who turns out to be a serial killer known for preying on unfaithful wives and placing a cattleya flower on his victims, hence the title, “Cattleya Killer.”
The ABS-CBN miniseries will take place decades after the original story with the Cattleya Killer believed to have already died. Christopher de Leon will reprise his role as Joven dela Rosa, the man who solved the first case who is now an NBI deputy director and a father and mentor to Arjo Atayde’s character. While waiting for the release of Cattleya Killer, you might want to get into Sa Aking Mga Kamay first as it’s now available for streaming on iWantTFC.
INTERNATIONAL REACH
Cattleya Killer will be available on Prime Video on June 1 and this is not just its Philippine premiere. It will also be streaming in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other selected territories.”It is our vision that Filipino content will be known as innovative, compelling, and meaningful,” says Ruel Bayani. “And that as we become an integral part of the beautiful tapestry of global storytellers, we will find our permanent place in the hearts of the international audience.” There’s no doubt how Cattleya Killer, with its powerhouse creative team and compelling story, promises nothing short of world-class storytelling.
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