Supremo fans, brace yourselves for a movie that’s double-the-fun yet thought-provoking, as Daniel Padilla starts work on the upcoming buddy comedy “Nang Mapagod si Kamatayan” alongside his real-life friend Zanjoe Marudo.

Based on a short story written by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, the Star Cinema movie is among the films unveiled during the “New Movie Alert: Daniel” event on Thursday, April 27. It will be directed by Dan Villegas, with Carmi Raymundo adapting the Ricky Lee story into a screenplay, and Vanessa Valdez serving as creative manager.

The movie, which Vanessa described as a “lighthearted comedy na may lalim,” will delve into the “mysteries of life, love, friendship, and death.”

“Bakit ba kailangang magtapos ang mga bagay? Bakit kailangang may mamatay, di ba? And knowing na si Daniel ‘yun [lead actor], I think it's going to be discussed in a way na young people of his generation will understand and have a deeper appreciation of life and [the] cycle of life,” she explained.

Personally, Carmi said that “Nang Mapagod si Kamatayan” is one of her favorite short stories of Ricky Lee, which they just tried to pitch to Daniel. To their surprise, he said “yes” right away upon seeing the title alone.

Daniel revealed that he was immediately drawn to the title even without knowing yet that the material is a Ricky Lee story. So much so that there hardly was any pitching and convincing that transpired anymore.

“Hindi na [sila] nag-pitch. Doon pa lang, title pa lang [sold na ako]. Hindi ko pa alam [na kay sir Ricky siya], gusto ko lang ‘yung title. Tapos n’ung sinabi ni Ate Carms [na] sinulat ni sir Ricky [‘yung short story], [sabi ko] ito na 'yun,” Daniel shared.

Just like how Daniel easily agreed to do the movie, the same goes for sir Ricky who, it turns out, had always wanted to work with the actor someday.

“Bukod sa gusto kong makatrabaho si Daniel dahil napanood ko siya, meron siyang lalim and range na pwede pang lumabas nang lumabas nang lumabas, and so parang magandang paglaruan ‘yun at mapanood,” sir Ricky described Daniel.

The movie being under ABS-CBN, which holds a special place in the esteemed writer’s heart, is another factor for sir Ricky’s involvement in the project: “Noong tumawag pa lang sina [Vanessa], sina Carmi, sabi ko, yeah, of course [I will do it]. Parang pagbabalik sa dating tahanan ko. So hindi ako nagdalawang isip.”

In the movie, Daniel will also work with two of the industry’s most reputable personalities in their fields — his good friends Zanjoe and Direk Dan.

Daniel has previously worked with Direk Dan, such as in the blockbuster hits “She’s Dating the Gangster” and “Crazy Beautiful You”. Direk Dan served as director of photography on both films.

“May saya and kaba na makakawork ko si Daniel,” Dan admitted, before praising Daniel’s growth as an actor. “Wala, eh. Kapag magaling ka, magaling ka, eh. It's a dream for me to work with him as a director.”

As for Zanjoe, this will be the first time he will be co-starring with Daniel in a movie. The film will also mark Zanjoe’s return to the big screen since the 2018 romance film “To Love Some Buddy”.

“Masayang-masaya ako dahil ito ‘yung comeback movie ko sa Star Cinema. Siguro after four or five years simula nung huli kong project, and sobrang special nito dahil matalik na kaibigan ko, kapatid ko, ‘yung makakasama ko sa pelikula,” Zanjoe said. “Siyempre, sobrang powerful na team, mga bumubura ng sarili nilang records sa box office.”

We can’t wait for what this dream team has to offer! “Nang Mapagod si Kamatayan” will start filming very soon and is slated for release in cinemas this year.

Stay tuned to Star Cinema and Black Sheep’s official social media pages to be updated on our new movie alert announcements!

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