Just in case you heard rumors about it through the extremely tiny Metro Manila grapevine, please allow us to finally confirm that yes, it’s true: Unitel Productions acquired the film rights to Arn‘s 2006 graphic novel “Ang Mundo ni Andong Agimat”. We couldn’t announce it formally ((Although of course family & close friends have known about it for a couple of months now.)) until they released the press release. The following came out in today’s Inquirer:
‘Andong Agimat’ to the US film mart
By Bayani San Diego Jr.
MANILA, Philippines — Unitel head Tony Gloria has a new baby.
“This is my pet project,” he says of “Ang Mundo ni Andong Agimat,” a popular graphic novel by prize-winning author/illustrator Arnold Arre.
Gloria has acquired the rights to “Andong,” which he plans to produce into either a feature film or a TV series. Or both.
“It can start as a feature film and we can later turn it into a TV series,” he says.
For the role of Andong, Gloria is eyeing Robin Padilla.
“He’s not your typical hero. Andong’s a loner and an ex-convict,” he explains.
Unitel is preparing an audio-visual presentation on “Andong,” which Gloria will screen at the American Film Market, running from Oct. 31 to Nov. 7 in Santa Monica, California.
(You can read the entire article on the Inquirer site or in my Multiply blog)
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As you can tell, I am beyond happy that Arn and his fantastic book ((Ok, biased since I’m the wife, but I strongly think that Andong is one of the most ORIGINAL takes on the Pinoy superhero out there.)) are getting the recognition they deserve. ((Much thanks go to Mr. Gloria, Unitel, and Arn’s agent Dennis Cruz. (:))
If you haven’t read it yet ((Huwaaaat????)), “Ang Mundo ni Andong Agimat” is available at leading bookstores (Fully Booked, Powerbooks, National) and comic book outlets.
Related entries:
– Si Andong Agimat, andito na!
– More Andong, more projects.
– Si Andong Agimat, parating na!
New blog for Andong Agimat:
– http://andongagimat.blogspot.com
