The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) committee has announced that Kapamilya actress Bela Padilla will officially be taking over Nadine Lustre’s role in the upcoming remake of Korean drama film “Miracle in Cell No. 7” last Thursday, July 25.
Spokesperson Noel Ferrer stated that Nadine was facing “medical reasons,” with her representatives Viva Artists Agency explaining in a letter, “She has begged off the project due to medical concerns and her resulting inability to perform her duties as an actress during the shoot up to the promotion of the film.”
Fellow Viva talent Bela Padilla was approved as a replacement on the same day, Ferrer stating, “We believe that Bela Padilla is an excellent actress and a bankable star and she will significantly contribute to the film’s artistry and commercial success.” He further elaborates that cast changes for all film entries must be made before July 30.
Last July 10, it was announced that the movie will be part of the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival’s Magic 8, to be premiered on Christmas Day this December.
Bela will be starring alongside veteran actor Aga Muhlach for the hit feature. The plot revolves around Yong-gu, a father with mental disabilities wrongfully jailed for the murder of a young woman.
The Filipina-British 28-year-old has established herself in the industry portraying roles in films “Camp Sawi,” “100 Tula Para Kay Stella,” and “Meet Me in St. Gallen.” Bela has also written success like movies “Luck at First Sight” and “Last Night.”
Amongst the other movies part of the MMFF’s Magic 8 include “(K)ampon” with Kris Aquino and Derek Ramsey, “Mission Unstapabol: The Don Identity” with Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza, and “Momalland” with Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Tony Labrusca, and Dimples Romana.