Cebuano director Victor Villanueva (center) with Arci Muñoz (right) and Pepe Herrera. /Credits: Project 8 corner San Joaquin Projects page
FROM dark comedy to sci-fi comedy. Cebuano filmmaker Victor Villanueva is exploring a different kind of “funny.”
Villanueva tells Cebu Daily News that he will direct “Jhon en Martian,” a digital series to be launched first via ABS-CBN digital platforms, starring Kapamilya stars Arci Muñoz and Pepe Herrera.
“Challenging siya kay I have to deal with a lot of visual effects and practical effects, balance them with humor,” he told CDN.
Project 8 corner San Joaquin Projects, one of the producers, also released details about the “Jhon en Martian” series on its Facebook page last weekend.
“An inter-galactic romantic comedy from Earth to Mars and back,” the caption reads with Muñoz and Herrera in the photo.
The same post, Villanueva said, “I’ve always wanted to do sci-fi with a comedic twist and ‘Jhon en Martian’ is that project that excites the geek in me! I want to inject some charm, hilarity and channel some of my favorite comedy series from the late 80s to the early 90s—while still having that millennial flavor.”
The Cebuano filmmaker also wants to look into what being an “alien” means.
“That even as humans, we tend to alienate ourselves from others. With the advances of technology and evolution, we need a constant reminder that the engine that fuels life is LOVE. And that somewhere out there, no matter how alien or different we are, there’s always THE ONE for you across the galaxy,” he said in a statement.
Villanueva is known for his comedy films “Patay na Si Hesus” (2017) and “Kusina Kings” (2018).
“‘Jhon en Martian’ is another journey for me as a director, as it is the first time for me to do a series. It’s another rocket ship outside my comfort zone and I’m proud to be on board,” he said.
The sci-fi series is also produced by ABS-CBN and Quantum Films.
The story is written by Joma Labayen.
Villanueva thinks Muñoz is perfect for her role as 223, the Martian.
“Kahibaw siya magpakilig og naay comic timing,” he told CDN.
He first met Muñoz at the set of the ABS-CBN television “Since I Found You.”
“Na-mesmerize ako sa ganda niya,” he laughed.
First project together
In “Jhon en Martian,” Muñoz plays 223, the Martian who falls to Earth.
She then meets Jhon Apollo, Herrera’s character, who is set to leave for Malaysia.
But 223 will ask Jhon’s help to find her spaceship so that she can return home.
According to Project 8 corner San Joaquin Projects’ Facebook page, the story will also tackle humanity and love.
This will be the first time Muñoz and Herrera are paired in a series.
Muñoz was last seen in “Since I Found You” with Piolo Pascual. Its final episode aired last Aug. 10.
For Herrera, this is his first lead role after playing Benny, the main sidekick of Coco Martin’s character Cardo Dalisay in ABS-CBN’s hit series “Ang Probinsyano.”
