Rocco Nacino will replace JM de Guzman as Pedro Calungsod in the MMFF entry about the life of the second Filipino to become a saint. After the confirmation that JM de Guzman will no longer be part of the highly-anticipated biopic.
Related Article: JM de Guzman Withdraw from San Pedro Calungsod Movie
The 26-year-old Rocco Nacino previously portrayed the Cebu-born saint in a mini-documentary, he will now reprise the role in the Hubo Production film, “San Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir,” an official MMFF 2013 entry.
According to film writer and director Francis Villacorta explained their decision to pick Nacino and he was quoted as saying that, “Aside from JM, si Rocco kasi, based on the physical traits, hindi nalalayo kay San Pedro among our actors sa generation nila.” Villacorta stated.
He adds further that, “Pinoy looks, tama lang ang height, can act, and nakatulong din sa weight ng decision ‘yung pag-portray niya ng Pedro Calungsod in television last year,” he said.
According to Villacorta, he has already submitted the formal letter informing the MMFF Executive Committee of the casting change.
