John Arcilla on working again with GMA: ‘Not impossible’

John Arcilla looks forward to working again with GMA, as he disclosed that he already asked permission from the ABS-CBN management and was allowed to do projects under the Kapuso network.

During the ABS-CBN Ball on Saturday, Sept. 30, the veteran actor expressed willingness after he was asked if he would want to be part of an “Encantadia” sequel.

“Nagpaalam na ako sa ABS-CBN; hindi pa nagkakaroon ng sequel ang ‘Encantadia,’ sinabi ko na na kapag lumabas ang ‘Encantadia’ ay gusto kong gumawa sa GMA-7,” said Arcilla who portrayed the role of Hagorn in the 2016 GMA fantasy series.

(I already asked for permission from ABS-CBN. I told them that if there would be an “Encantadia” sequel, I would like to be [part of it] and work with GMA-7.)

“I think it’s not impossible kasi sinabi nila sa akin (because they told me) from the very beginning [that] it’s OK to do projects with GMA, and that is official,” he added.

Arcilla also spoke about his hopes of doing international projects, adding that he is currently in talks with acclaimed Filipino-American producer Jhett Tolentino for a film.

“When I won the Volpi Cup at the Venice Film Festival, I was hoping na masundan pa ‘yon,” Arcilla said. “Well, sana ‘yun ‘yung maging door para kung meron mang producers tsaka mga agents internationally who will give me a chance to do some projects na full-length na—American or French film man siya, or project from Italy. I’m really very open to anything, international projects.”

(When I won the Volpi Cup at the Venice Film Festival, I was hoping that there would be more to come. I wish it would serve as a door [for me] if there are international producers or agents who will give me a chance to do some full-length projects—may it be an American or French film, or a project from Italy. I’m really very open to anything, international projects.)

Arcilla won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival in Italy in 2021 for his acclaimed portrayal in Erik Matti’s “On the Job: The Missing 8.” He is the first Southeast Asian actor to bag the acting honor in the prestigious film festival.

Among Arcilla’s upcoming projects is the psychological thriller film “The Guest” where he will star alongside Daniel Padilla. The movie, helmed by director Jerrold Tarog, is slated for a 2024 release. EDV