KathNiel to star in film version of ‘She’s Dating the Gangster’

MANILA, Philippines – Teen actors Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo are set to star in the movie adaptation of young adult romantic novel She’s Dating the Gangster, reported Pep.ph.

According to the Summit Media site, She’s Dating the Gangster, by local author Bianca Bernardino, is a story about two teenagers, Athena Dizon and Kenji de los Reyes, whose pretend relationship eventually turns deeper.

She’s Dating the Gangster first earned a following on social media-based publishing site Wattpad in 2006. The book became a bestseller in local bookstores Powerbooks and National Bookstore after its release by Summit Media in March 2013. Summit Media President Ms. Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng said the book has sold over 50,000 copies.

Although Bernardino admitted that she first had Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu in mind back in 2006, she sees that Padilla and Bernardo are a great fit for the current generation.

Bernardino told Pep.ph that the teen stars, whose on-screen tandem KathNiel has gained a following, are a good fit for the roles because of their similarities to her characters.

She described Padilla’s TV persona as that of a “bad boy,” but she adds that much like Kenji, there’s still a sweetness beneath the tough veneer. Kathryn, she said, whose roles often feature underdogs with a fighting spirit, is a good fit with the character of Athena.

According to a tweet by Summit Media, the film, to be directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, will begin filming in March. KathNiel recently starred in the 2014 MMFF entry Pagpag.

UPDATE: The movie She's Dating the Gangster, which will be directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, starts filming in March. http://t.co/yfqHv5rzdC

— Summit Media (@SummitMedia_PH) January 28, 2014

#KathNiel fandom

Similar to the book, the KathNiel loveteam has established a solid fan base on social media. Individually, the two stars have each amassed quite a number of supporters on Twitter, both with over 2 million followers each as of writing.

News and latest updates about the Got to Believe tandem have, on several occasions, trended on Twitter, and this time is no exception.

Now trending NATIONWIDE & WORLDWIDE She's Dating The Gangster @imdanielpadilla @bernardokath @micodelrosario ☺️ pic.twitter.com/OIccGDwBXx

— Salve L. Vega (@salve_kathniel) January 30, 2014

I'm wondering why does She's Dating The Gangster is trending and I just figure out that KathNiel will be doing it as a film. :))

— Kimberly O. Bacorro (@kim_bacorro) January 30, 2014

Ecstatic tweets and fan-made posters have already made rounds on social media. Here are some reactions from the fans, including an excited tweet from model and TV host Bianca Gonzalez:

Star Cinema inks deal to make bestseller "She's Dating The Gangster" into a movie starring Kathryn and Daniel!!!! Aaaaah!!!!

— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) January 28, 2014

ⓒ ☺️✨ Wee #SDTG #Excited #KathNiel ♡♡♡ pic.twitter.com/mE3IGowOaH

— SDTGTheMovie (@SDTGTheMovieKN) January 30, 2014

I'm started reading the She's Dating The Gangster story! Infairness, interesting story sya at bagay talaga sa KATHNIEL! Sooo Excited!!!

— Gladys Jane Ferrer (@piscesgirl_04) January 30, 2014

She's Dating the Gangster movie with KathNiel as Athena and Kenji? Wow! Uuwi ako sa pinas para panoorin ang premiere  #SDTGTheMovie

— Clau (@DianeClaudette) January 30, 2014

KathNiel as the main cast of She's Dating The Gangster (movie)? omfg!!! it will definitely again arouse us to an ecstatic admiration! :)))

— Chichay Tampipi (@ChichayyTampipi) January 28, 2014

The news that KathNiel will portray the role of Athena Dizon & Kenji delos Reyes of She's Dating The Gangster made me happy! #thankyoulord

— Maryjoy Camajalan  (@emjayyysee) January 28, 2014

Oh my freaking gaaaaad KathNiel for She's dating the gangster!!!! Aaaaahhhh

— Rona  (@ronaroblesFTW) January 28, 2014

 

THAAAAAAAAAANK YOUUUUUUUUU LORDDDDDDDD! KATHNIEL FOR SHE'S DATING THE GANGSTER! AHHHH! #SUPERHAPPYKIDDO #CAPSLOCKPARAINTENSE

— kenken (@vistalkrissee) January 28, 2014

 

She’s Dating a Gangster is a partnership between Summit Media and Star Cinema, as part of the production house’s 20th anniversary celebration. – Rappler.com