The beloved 2012 Korean melodrama "A Werewolf Boy" is being remade for Philippine audiences, marking a significant international collaboration between Viva Films, Studio Viva, and CJ ENM. The landmark fantasy romance, which became Korea's highest-grossing melodrama of its time, is now in production with an all-new Filipino cast taking on the iconic roles that launched several Korean stars to fame.
Rising Filipino actors Rabin Angeles and Angela Muji will lead the remake in what represents their first major starring roles on the big screen. Angeles will portray the mysterious feral boy character originally brought to life by Song Joong-ki, while Muji steps into the shoes of Park Bo-young's beloved character Sun-yi. The cast will be rounded out by veteran actress Lorna Tolentino, bringing her extensive experience to the production.
Director Crisanto B. Aquino, who previously helmed popular films "Instant Daddy" and "My Future You," is taking charge of the remake project. His track record with emotionally-driven narratives makes him a fitting choice to adapt this touching story for Filipino audiences.
The original film tells the compelling story of a teenage girl who relocates to the countryside with her family, where she discovers and befriends a mysterious feral boy living on their property. Taking it upon herself to civilize him, she patiently teaches him how to behave and act like a human being. However, as their emotional bond grows deeper and more complex, his wild, untamed instincts continuously threaten to surface, creating both tension and poignancy in their relationship.
When "A Werewolf Boy" first hit Korean theaters, it became an immediate box office sensation, attracting an impressive 7.06 million admissions and establishing itself as the country's highest-grossing melodrama at that time. The film's unique fantasy premise distinguished it from the conventional romantic dramas dominating the market, while Song Joong-ki's largely non-verbal but emotionally powerful performance catapulted him to stardom and established him as one of Korea's most sought-after actors.
The original production gained international recognition when it premiered at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival before its official Korean theatrical release on October 31, 2012. While production on the Philippine remake is currently underway, no official release date has been announced for this highly anticipated adaptation.
