'On the Job' to be released in the US
MANILA, Philippines -- An action-thriller starring Gerald Anderson is being considered for a Hollywood remake, according to the actor.
At the sidelines of the opening of the 18th French Film Festival in Makati City on Thursday, the 24-year-old actor said Hollywood producers have expressed interest in doing a remake of the Erik Matti-directed film "On The Job."
"Sabi nila direk, 'yung kampo nila Mark Wahlberg tumawag para i-remake, atsaka nila Tom Cruise," Anderson told ABS-CBN News.
He added: "Malay natin [matuloy]. Kami nga nakarating kami sa Cannes. Dreams do come true. Mag-focus lang kayo sa gusto niyo mangyari sa buhay niyo, at dahil kay Papa God, mangyayari 'yun."
Produced by ABS-CBN's film production outfit, Star Cinema, "On The Job" held its world premiere in May at Directors' Fortnight section the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation.
Recalling the proud moment, Anderson said, "Tinitingnan ko si Piolo, 'Bro, kaunti nalang iiyak na ako, eh.' Kasi talagang ang-init ng pagtanggap nila. Very proud day para sa mga Pinoy," he said.
In "On The Job," Anderson portrays an inmate temporarily released from jail to become a contract killer for corrupt politicians. He is joined in the film by actor Piolo Pascual, who plays a National Bureau of Investigation agent.
The cast also includes Joel Torre, Shaina Magdayao, Joey Marquez, and Angel Aquino.
Prior to the screening of "On The Job" at Cannes, film distributor Well Go USA had acquired the North American rights to the film, according to a report on news website Indiewire.
The film is planned to have a theatrical release in the United States in the last quarter of the year.
"Sa simula ng career ko, never ko inimagine makakarating ako sa ganito, so I'm very thankful, very humbled," Anderson said.
The Kapamilya star said he is also please with the increasing number of opportunities for local actors to cross over from mainstream cinema to indie films, and vice versa.
"Nag-iba na 'yung style ngayon. Hindi lang 'yung mga indie actors ang gumagawa ng indie films, kundi kami naring mga mainstream actors. Grabe 'yung opportunity, eh," he said.
"We're sharing our talent na rin, kung anuman 'yung kaya naming gawin for the indie industry, at ganun narin 'yung indie for mainstream," he added.
Asked if he is willing to take up a possible Hollywood offer, following his recent exposure to an international audience, Anderson said, "Kung may offer, gusto ko ipakita na ang mga Pinoy may talent din. Kung may offer, yes, oo naman, para mapakita natin sa kanila."
