FROM classrooms to cinemas, the 2017 Thai film Bad Genius has captivated audiences worldwide with its social commentary and high-stake approach to the issue of academic fraud.
Its universal themes led to adaptations worldwide, including Bollywood’s Farrey, an upcoming American remake, and a Thai series adaptation.
Now the Philippines is putting its own spin on the hit Thai movie this 2025.
One of the highest-grossing Asian films, Bad Genius is getting a Filipino series adaptation spearheaded by Viva One and Studio Viva.
While many details remain under wraps, the cast was unveiled on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Leading the series as Lin, the protagonist, is Atasha Muhlach—daughter of Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales, and twin sister of Andres Muhlach, who stars in his own series, Ang Mutya ng Section E.
She will be joined by fellow stars like Gab Lagman, Hyacinth Callado, Jairus Aquino, Romnick Sarmenta, Yayo Aguila, Joko Diaz, Irma Adlawan, and Ruffa Gutierrez.
Meanwhile, the project will be directed by Derick Cabrido, who made his name through critically acclaimed horror films like Mallari (2023) and Clarita (2019).
Bad Genius is a 2017 heist thriller that received global acclaim. Directed by Nattawut Poonpiriya, the film follows Lynn, a gifted student who orchestrates a high-stakes cheating operation that escalates internationally. Inspired by real-life SAT cheating scandals, it tackles themes of class inequality and teenage pressure, all wrapped in a tense and engaging narrative.
With the announcement of a Filipino adaptation, fans are eager to see how the story will be reimagined within the local education system. Will the remake stay true to the original’s high-stakes tension, or will it incorporate a uniquely Filipino twist?
As more details emerge, audiences anticipate how Bad Genius will be translated to reflect the realities of students in the Philippines.
