‘Pee Mak’ remake reveals actors joining WilBea

Viva Films has officially unveiled the “barkada” of the Philippine remake of the Thai horror-comedy "Pee Mak" with Vandolph Quizon, Jairus Aquino, TJ Valderrama, and Gian Bernardino joining Wilbert Ross and Bea Binene as Mak’s four soldier friends.

Viva Films introduced the four new cast members on Wednesday, August 12, revealing them as key characters in the story alongside Mak, played by Wilbert.

In a short teaser, the newly announced cast members were introduced one by one, giving fans a glimpse of their comedic side and what they could bring to the upcoming film.

The first to be revealed was Vandolph Quizon,  a former child star who became a comedian, a talent he inherited from his late father, the “King of Comedy” Dolphy. Vandolph, 42, most recently appeared in the “Home Along da Riles” reunion movie. 

He was also part of the massive box-office hit “Praybeyt Benjamin” and its sequel, “The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin,” both starring Vice Ganda.

Joining Vandolph is fellow comedian-actor TJ Valderrama. Before appearing in films and television series, the 40-year-old first showcased his comedic skills through the “It’s Showtime” stand-up comedy search segment “Funny One,” where he became a finalist. He also became part of the popular reality show “Pinoy Big Brother.”

TJ has since appeared in comedy films, including “Kidnap for Romance” and “Wonderful Nightmare.” He is also in the cast of the ongoing series “My Bespren Emman.”

Meanwhile, Jairus Aquino, 27, is expected to show his comedic chops, especially since many of his recent films and series have leaned toward romance and horror. 

Jairus stars in “Rosario,” which is currently showing in cinemas. Aside from Pee Mak, Jairus will also star in the final installment of the University Series, “Our Yesterday’s Escape.”

Completing the barkada cast is Gian Bernardino, 25, the singer behind the songs “Misteryoso” and “Multo.” Pee Mak will mark Gian’s film debut. 

As a singer popular among Gen Zs , his first acting role is something to watch out for, especially since he will be taking on a comedic character.

Aside from the short video teaser, Viva Films also released individual posters for the new cast, along with a complete cast poster featuring lead actors Wilbert and Bea, aka onscreen partners “WilBea.”

The announcement also confirmed that the film will be released in cinemas. However, its release date and other details have yet to be announced. 

The original “Pee Mak” is a high-grossing 2013 Thai supernatural horror-comedy and romance film starring Mario Maurer as Mak and Davika Hoorne as Nak. Based on the classic Thai folklore legend of Mae Nak Phra Khanong, the film adapts the tragic tale into a comedic and heartwarming story.

The story is about Mak and his four soldier friends whom he invited to stay in his home where they meet his wife and child. Soon they discover that the entire village is terrified of a ghost, while Mak remains unaware of the events that happened to his wife.