ACTOR Enrique Gill is set to return to the big screen, three years after his hiatus in the entertainment industry in 2020.
He will headline the mature adventure comedy film I am not Big Bird, which is expected to land in local cinemas this year and in festivals abroad next year.
Courtesy: Black Sheep Productions on Instagram (@black_sheepph)
About the film
The film will be directed by Patay na si Hesus director Victor Villanueva and written by Palanca Award winner Lilit Reyes and Joma Labayen.
Set in Thailand, I am not Big Bird is co-produced by Anima Studios, Black Sheep Productions, Epicmedia, and Gil’s very own Make-A-Break Productions, which he founded with manager Ranvel Rufino.
Gil will be playing the 30-year-old virgin man Luis Carpio. He will be joined by other talented actors including Nikko Natividad, Red Ollero, and Pepe Herrera.
“Basically, Big Bird is a famous porn star in Thailand. My character, Luis Carpio, travels to Thailand and doon siya pinagkamalan na si Big Bird, kasi parang identical twins na talaga sila. That’s where the adventure begins,” Gil teased.
“Hindi ako si Big Bird. But at some point, ako rin ang magiging Big Bird,” he added.
This will mark the actor’s first time producing a film hands-on. Anima’s managing director Bianca Balbuena mentioned he has been involved in the creative process of the film, including the choice of cast and writing some of his lines.
In a press conference on Wednesday, head of ABS-CBN Films Kriz Gazmen said out of all the ideas pitched to the actor, it was I am not Big Bird that won over Gil’s heart.
He further said the actor didn’t want to do a regular comeback film and this comedy set has gotten his interest.
“I don’t want to do something na nagawa ko na. I want to do something different,” Gil said.
“I’ve always wanted to do a full-blown comedy. So, when they pitched that, sa title pa lang, I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, genius. I need to do something like this.’”
Courtesy: Black Sheep Productions on Instagram (@black_sheepph)
The film will be set in 2000s Bangkok, as per Black Sheep creative manager Kookai Labayen. She noted I am not Big Bird is inspired by a true story.
“This porn star kasi in the story, madami rin talaga siyang mga pinagdadaanan, mga humahabol sa kanya. It makes it an exciting story,” Kookai explained. “We’re gonna do it in Bangkok, most of the shots will be in Thailand kasi andoon talaga ‘yung adventures and happenings that you’ll be surprised [with].”
The upcoming Black Sheep movie is taken from Reyes’ friend’s experience during the time they spent in Thailand.
The award-winning writer said he and his friend were constantly swarmed by women in every event they attended in the country. Turns out, his friend resembles an Asian porn star popular in Thailand.
“So, naisip ko, this is a good premise for a riotous comedy,” Reyes said.
Courtesy: Black Sheep Productions on Instagram (@black_sheepph)
Enrique dispels breakup rumors
Meanwhile, Gil denied that he and his longtime girlfriend Liza Soberano had gone separate ways.
In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN, the actor confirmed that they are still together. He said they were just focusing on their individual careers.
What’s more important, said Gil, is that they are happy and still support each other’s career endeavors despite not being on-screen partners anymore.
“I am busy with all my projects. She is busy with all her projects naman. She is focusing on international work, which is super good for her. Kahit super busy kami, we still support each other no matter what,” the actor explained.
Courtesy: Enrique Gil on Instagram (@enriquegil17)
Over a month ago, comedian and Soberano’s former talent manager Ogie Diaz said the two have ended their relationship, following the actress’s choice to prioritize her Hollywood career pursuit.
The couple has been together since 2014 and has worked together in several television shows, such as Forevermore (2014), Dolce Amore (2016), Bagani (2018), and Make It with You (2020).
They also co-starred in some big screen hits like She’s The One (2013), Just The Way You Are (2015), Everyday I Love You (2015), My Ex and Whys (2017), and Alone/Together (2019).
