From more daring roles to braver themes, here’s what to look forward to in the big screen comeback of Kathryn Bernardo.
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Almost four years after her last movie Hello, Love, Goodbye (2019), Kathryn Bernardo is back on the big screen. In time for Star Cinema’s 30th Anniversary, the Asia’s Superstar unveiled her next film project during ABS-CBN Films’ New Movie Alert event last March 27, 2023. And yes, Kathryn Bernardo is about to get bolder and braver in her new roles.
KATHRYN BERNARDO X DOLLY DE LEON
Star Cinema is set to explore new themes and genres as they mark their third decade. It’s a fitting vision for Kathryn Chandria Manuel Bernardo. She has expressed her interest in collaborating with the film studio to explore the uncharted waters.
Star Cinema and Kath are taking on a fresh and unique undertaking with A Very Good Girl. It will serve as the first in Kathryn’s slate of upcoming projects. Written by Marionne Dominique Mancol (James & Pat & Dave and He’s Into Her), A Very Good Girl features an “eat-the-rich” concept from the youth’s perspective.
Petersen Vargas was personally handpicked by Kathryn to helm the movie. “It’s going to be a dark comedy, but with a lot of sass and class,” says Vargas. This is going to be his first time working with Kath. “We want to serve this fantasy of representing this frustrated and powerless generation through Kathryn’s character.”
Another major thing to get hyped up about Good Girl is the fact that Dolly de Leon will be Kath’s co-star. Creative manager Carmi Raymundo reveals that the BAFTA and Golden Globe nominee is excited to be with Kathryn again after a very long time. Also, she has been very collaborative with the team.
A Very Good Girl is slated for a release this September.
HISTORY, ACTION, AND DRAMA
Another special project for Kathryn is Elena, 1944. It is a historical offering that follows the story of a comfort woman during the Japanese occupation. This film finds her working with Black Sheep for the first time. Also, Kath reunites reunites with Olivia M. Lamasan seven years after Barcelona: A Love Untold (2016).
“When we did Barcelona the challenge there was to transition Kathryn from a young teenage roles to more young adult roles,” the director says. “Then seven years later… not to really transition, but to really push you, push your limit as an actress to doing more edgy, more mature and more daring [roles].”
This also marks acclaimed filmmaker’s return to the director’s chair after her years-long stint as ABS-CBN Films’ head. Described as a fusion of historical drama and action, Elena,1944 is based on a Palanca Award-winning screenplay by Patrick Valencia. It will also be co-written by Enrico Santos (An Inconvenient Love). Vanessa Valdez, writer of Must Be…Love, is its creative manager.
“I love to do a project like that, representing women empowerment,” declares Kathryn. Elena, 1944 is currently in development and is targeting a 2024 release date.
KATHNIEL COMEBACK
A new scoop into the love team’s comeback project was also revealed during the NMA event. As explained by Kathryn, she and Daniel Padilla will be pursuing individual projects in the future. But, they’ll also be reunited in a project soon. She says that the announcement for the Cathy Garcia-Molina-helmed film will have its separate launch. It’s confirmed that their reunion movie will come out after A Very Good Girl.
In an earlier press interview, Garcia-Molina first revealed that the upcoming reunion movie is unlike their past movies and will not be of the rom-com genre. “It’s something new and we’re all very excited for.” The veteran director adds that it will be a “more mature” project for the premier love team.
Meanwhile, Kath has also expressed her gratitude to all the KathNiel supporters who remained loyal and believed in them. “Natutuwa at napa-proud ako sa fans namin na KathNiel. They allow us to grow,” the actress says. “KathNiel will always be there. Ang importante kami ni DJ nagsusuportahan sa isa’t isa. Mutual decision ‘to and excited din ako what’s in store for DJ.”
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