Filipino mythology-inspired series ‘Sun Chaser’ sets YouTube pilot premiere

A new Filipino animated series is heading to YouTube next week. “Sun Chaser,” created by Filipino-American directors Bernard Badion and Bobby Pontillas, will premiere its pilot episode on June 22.

The web series, inspired by Filipino mythology, follows a teenager named Jordan whose life changes after a supernatural curse strikes his family and island home. He is forced into a mythic journey to protect both his loved ones and the spirit realm.

The short teaser of characters reveal a Tagalog-English dialogue style aimed at a global audience, while the official trailer, released ahead of the pilot, offers a first look at the animation and voice performances. The show also brings Filipino folklore to life, featuring mythical creatures such as the manananggal (a winged vampire) and duwende, a dwarf-like being.

Its voice cast includes a mix of mostly Filipino and Filipino-American talent: Manny Jacinto voices Jordan, Liza Soberano plays Angie/Queen Marisol, Eugene Cordero voices Archie, Dingdong Dantes as Necrofrost, JR de Guzman as JR, Zia Dantes as Sessa, AC Bonifacio as Zoe, KD Estrada as La Bamba, and Charo Santos-Concio as Lola.

"Sun Chaser" was awarded the MIFA Animation du Monde Prize at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025 in France. The pilot will also have a festival premiere at Annecy on June 23 at 6:00 a.m. CEST (France time).