The Kingdom is an upcoming Philippine action adventure film directed by Michael Tuviera from a story he co-wrote with Michelle Ngu-Nario, who solely adapted it into a screenplay. The film includes an ensemble cast featuring Vic Sotto, Piolo Pascual, Cristine Reyes, Sue Ramirez, and Sid Lucero.
| The Kingdom | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Michael Tuviera |
| Screenplay by | Michelle Ngu-Nario |
| Story by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Shayne Sarte |
| Edited by | Tara Illenberger |
| Music by | Jessie Q. Lasaten |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | MQuest Distribution |
Release date |
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Running time | 133 minutes |
| Country | Philippines |
| Language | Filipino |
Produced by APT Entertainment, MQuest Ventures, and MZet Television Productions, it is intended to be part of the first batch of the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival.[1]
Premise
editThe story is set in the Kingdom of Kalayaan in the contemporary era in an alternate version of the Philippines where the islands were never colonized.[2]
Lakan Makisig (Vic Sotto), the king of Kalayaan is facing a potential succession crisis unsure which among his three children to inherit the throne; Magat Bagwis (Sid Lucero) who is reputed for his short temper, Dayang Matimyas (Cristine Reyes) with whom he has strained relations due to her romantic relations with a political enemy, and Dayang Lualhati (Sue Ramirez) the closest child to the monarch among the three.[3]
Lualhati, who is about to marry a Thai prince, is abducted by men whom Matimyas thinks are from the secessionist group Tiwalag. Makisig tasks Bagwis and the Kalayaan army to rescue Lualhati. However, Makisig and his personnel fail in their mission, oblivious that an outcast Sulo (Piolo Pascual) had already rescued the princess. Sulo returns Lualhati to the Palace with the latter beginning to question the rule of his father. Meanwhile Sulo faces accusations which threatens his life.[3]
Cast
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- Vic Sotto as Lakan Makisig, the ruler of the Kingdom of Kalayaan,[4] an alternative timeline monarchy in the Philippines. He is the second son of Lakan Diwa, father to Magat Bagwis, Dayang Matimyas, and Dayang Lualhati. He used to be a benevolent king, until his wife Lakambini Hiraya who changed after his spouse died in childbirth.[5] For the role, temporary whole-body tattoos had to be applied to Sotto for three hours. The bodypaint serves as a status symbol for his character. Sotto had to also undergo Filipino martial arts training as part of his portrayal.[6] Sotto remarked he had to leave his comfort zone for his portrayal of the Lakan. He also had to change his voice for the role, departing from the usual tone he uses while hosting Eat Bulaga!.[7]
- Piolo Pascual as Sulayman "Sulo" Tagum, a Tinatwa (outcast) and a farmer,[7][8] who is also a son of a disgraced Kalasag Royal Guard. Unlike the free people or the Malayas, he has no tattoos. Due to his social stature, he was denied decent education and livelihood. He condemns this injustice and questions the Kingdom of Kalayaan. Despite everything, he remains a good man who can't turn a blind eye to wrongdoing. Through his journey with Dayang Lualhati, he learns to let go of his hatred.[9]
- Cristine Reyes as Dayang Matimyas, the elder and responsible daughter of Makisig.[7][3]
- Sue Ramirez as Dayang Lualhati, the younger daughter of Makisig who was to marry a Thai prince but is abducted by men who Matimyas alleged to be from the secessionist group Tiwalag.[3] Ramirez accepted the role without reading the script first.[7]
- Sid Lucero as Magat Bagwis, the son of Makisig, known for his temper.[3]
- Nico Antonio as the comedic aide of the royal family.[7]
- Zion Cruz as Felipe, Makisig's grandson.[7]
- Ruby Ruiz as a head babaylan[10]
- Art Acuña[8]
Cedrick Juan and Iza Calzado are billed to have "special participation" in the film.[8]
Production
editThe Kingdom is a co-production between APT Entertainment, MQuest Ventures, and MZet Television Productions. Michael "Mike" Tuviera of APT serves as the film's director.[11] Michael Ngu-nario is the writer.[1] Tuviera first pitched the story to Jane Basas of MQuest during a story conference for Padyak Princess.[11]
The Kingdom is noted for not heavily featuring comedy, despite the casting of Vic Sotto, an actor that has starred in mostly comedic projects.[12] Tuviera wanted to create a "non-political film about politics" which centers around family.[8]
It was among the first five entries of the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival announced on July 16, 2024; all of which were submitted as scripts.[13]
The first sequence was mentioned to be the most difficult to execute taking four to five months to set up. The production team reached out to the Philippine Navy to help them for the said sequence which served as "inspiration" for succeeding sequences.[8]
Release
editAs one of the ten official entries of the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival, The Kingdom is set to have its wide theatrical release in cinemas in the Philippines on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024.[13]
References
edit- ^ a b "Vic Sotto and Vice Ganda movies make it to MMFF 2024". PEP.ph (in Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. July 16, 2024. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- ^ Vic Sotto, Piolo Pascual, nagkita na para sa kanilang pelikulang 'The Kingdom' [Vic Sotto, Piolo Pascual, already met for their film 'The Kingdom']. Frontline Pilipinas (in Filipino). News5Everywhere. August 1, 2024. Event occurs at 1:33-1:44. Retrieved November 1, 2024 – via YouTube.
Ang kuwento, set sa modern Philippines na never nasakop - an uncolonized Philippines, woah!!! [The story, set in a modern Philippines which was never invaded - an uncolonized Philippines, woah!!!]
- ^ a b c d e Pagulong, Charmie Joy (December 1, 2024). "Vic Sotto, Piolo Pascual on working dynamics in 2024 MMFF entry 'The Kingdom'". The Philippine Star. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
- ^ Garcia, Rose (December 2, 2024). "Piolo Pascual raves about Vic Sotto's dramatic prowess". PEP.ph (in Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
- ^ Frontline Pilipinas 2024, 2:18 (Text).
- ^ Gabinete, Jojo (October 24, 2024). "Vic Sotto, pumayag "magpa-tattoo" para sa The Kingdom" [Vic Sotto, agreed to be "tattooed" for The Kingdom]. PEP.ph (in Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f Salterio, Leah (December 2, 2024). "Doing a film with Piolo shocks Vic". Journal Online. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e PEP Troika (December 1, 2024). "Vic Sotto first serious film ang The Kingdom; paano napapayag?". PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
- ^ Frontline Pilipinas 2024, 2:22 (Text).
- ^ Evangelista, Jessica Ann (November 26, 2024). "Ruby Ruiz excited for her Hollywood film 'First Light,' MMFF entry 'The Kingdom'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
- ^ a b Marfori, M. J. (July 20, 2024). "Bossing Vic Sotto slated for 'eye-opening' MMFF comeback". The Philippine Star (in English and Filipino). Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- ^ "MMFF 2024: Vic Sotto in first movie drama, Vice Ganda in first dramedy. Seriously?". Rappler. October 23, 2024. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
- ^ a b Mayo, Stephanie (July 18, 2024). "MMFF 50th Edition: Excitement builds as first half of finalists revealed". Daily Tribune. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
External links
edit- The Kingdom at IMDb