A modern-day retelling of Dyesebel is rumored to be in the works with Andrea Brillantes set to play the iconic Mars Ravelo character.
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Since last August, the new version of Darna has been enjoying strong ratings and reception as the series brought the iconic heroine into the modern world. And because of the show’s sustained success, some have begun to speculate what Mars Ravelo character will get the live-action treatment next. And if rumors are to be believed, the speculation is pointing to Dyesebel as the next figure on the list. And the actress set to play her? None other than Andrea Brillantes.
OUR NEW DYESEBEL?
For the past few weeks, rumors have suggested that Dyesebel and Captain Barbell were supposedly up next on the docket for Filipino komik characters ABS-CBN was looking to revive for live action. Those rumors soon kicked into high gear when Ogie Diaz said on his December 11 vlog that Dyesebel was coming in 2023 and would replace Darna when the show ends supposedly the same year.
“Walang iba kung hindi si Andrea Brillantes, sa 2023 ito,” he revealed of this potential new version of the Mars Ravelo creation. And this early, this bit of information has been making a splash on social media.
Ngayong 2023 papatunayang hindi masusukat ang pag-ibig sa ating panlabas na kaanyuan!
— Kapamilya Online World (@kowalerts) December 12, 2022
Gen Z Queen Andrea Brillantes sa isang magical role! Mula sa karagatan, aahon na siya bilang si #Dyesebel pic.twitter.com/3Kvx6YEmRh
Andrea and ABS-CBN have yet to comment on the speculation. But if this is true, it will make for an exciting, but not surprising development. Aside from already proving herself as a talented actress thanks to roles in Annaliza, Kadenang Ginto, and more, Andrea also has experience diving underwater. In an apparent sign that she’s preparing for the role, Ogie said that Andrea knows how to dive thanks to her mom, Belle. “Actually, ‘yung nanay niya diver. Napakahusay sa diving ang nanay niya. Talagang nagpa-practice na si Andrea. Mahusay na siyang sumisid.”
More so, in a past vlog, Andrea Brillantes shared her free diving experience and even dressed up as a mermaid one time in Boracay. Blythe even shared back in 2013 that her dream role is to play the mermaid turned human. Talk about manifestation.
MERMAID ICON
If this is true though, then Andrea not only bagged what could be her biggest role to date, but also joins a long list of iconic actresses who have played the famous mermaid ever since she was first brought to life on screen by Edna Luna in 1953. Past actresses who played Dyesebel include Vilma Santos, Alma Moreno, Alice Dixson, and Charlene Gonzales. Marian Rivera made history as the first actress to play her in the first series adaptation in the late 2000s while Anne Curtis was the last actress to play Dyesebel on the screen back in 2014. Not bad company if we do say so ourselves.
As for other aspects of the series, like who is directing or the male lead, there’s no word yet, though Ogie Diaz did say he would like to see Ricci Rivero as the love interest.
DRAG YOU & ME
As we wait to see if Dyesebel will rise from the sea once more, one project that is confirmed for Andrea Brillantes is the recently announced Drag You & Me. While not much is known about the series yet, it is sure to be one of the more special programs coming in 2023 with its focus on drag culture and the Philippine drag scene. Christian Bables, JC Alcantara, Romnick Sarmenta, Ice Seguerra, Jon Santos, Lance Carr, PJ Endrinal, Jeric Raval, Amy Nobleza, Yves Flores, Noel Comia Jr., and KaladKaren join Blythe in the cast alongside Drag Race Philippines queens Brigiding, Viñas Deluxe, Precious Paula Nicole, and Xilhouete.
JP Habac, the man behind I’m Drunk, I Love You, Gaya sa Pelikula, and Bola Bola, will serve as series director with Nathan Arciaga writing the script. “Gusto ko na ‘yung generation namin ay mas maging open. Hindi lang generation ko, lahat, maging open sa community na ito at suportahan,” said Blythe during the show’s story conference on December 12. Seguerra adds, ”Through this show, Drag You & Me, makikita ng mga manonood na, ‘Hey ‘yung LGBT family pala ay pareho rin pala nang mga pinagdadaanan kagaya ng mga normal families.’” The Dreamscape Entertainment show is set to hit iWant TFC sometime in 2023.
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