‘Pedro Penduko’ with James Reid is just the start of a Pinoy mythology movie franchise

MANILA, Philippines – The revival of Pedro Penduko starring James Reid will kick-start an ambitious “cinematic universe” that revolves around Filipino Mythology.

Epic Studios and Viva Films made the announcement on Thursday, June 14 during a press conference for the Epik Studios’ projects. Other movies planned include Totoy Bato, Maria Makiling starring Nadine Lustre, Bernardo Carpio, Osyana, and Habagat.

Treb Monteras II, the man behind Respeto, is set to direct Pedro Penduko.

@james present here in the EPIK Studios launch. #pedropenduko #letsmakeitepic @epikstudiosph

A post shared by VIVA ARTISTS (@vivaartistsagency) on Jun 14, 2018 at 3:40am PDT

@james present here at the EPIK Studios launch with Direk Treb Monteras (Director of Pedro Penduko) #LetsMakeItEpik #PedroPenduko #letsmakeitepic  @epikstudiosph

A post shared by VIVA ARTISTS (@vivaartistsagency) on Jun 14, 2018 at 3:40am PDT

The original Pedro Penduko comic tells the story of a  Filpino boy who fights the forces of evil with an amulet. In the new version, written by Regene Estolatan for Epik Studios, the story is told through a boy named Peter Harris, who was raised by his adoptive American father.

In an interview with ABS-CBN, Paul Alexei Basinillo, president of Epic Studios said the “cinematic universe” will be known as “Engkantos.” The company is also planning to do movies about the villains of the Filipino heroes.

Based on the hero created by National Artist for Literature Francisco V Coching, Pedro Penduko has been brought to life by 4 actors — Efren Reyes Sr, Ramon Zamora, Janno Gibbs in the movies, and Matt Evans on television. – Rappler.com