Julia Barretto open to opportunities as 'independently managed' artist
MANILA, Philippines — Julia Barretto is embracing a new phase in her career as an independently managed actress, saying she is now "open to opportunities" as she takes on projects with different production outfits.
Her new journey begins with the Regal Films' Metro Manila Film Festival 2026 entry "Haunted Carnival."
The upcoming horror-slasher marks Julia's first collaboration with Regal Entertainment.
Speaking during the film's media junket in Quezon City on Sunday, July 26, Julia said she sees this stage of her career as an opportunity to work with more storytellers and filmmakers.
"It's a good time in my life to be able to explore and work with everyone kasi lahat may magandang istorya, and gusto ko ma-grab opportunity na 'yun kapag naisip nila ako para sa proyekto," she said.
The actress, however, clarified that she does not consider herself a freelancer.
"'Wag natin gamitin 'yung word na [freelancer]. Gamitin natin na open to opportunities," she said.
Julia also expressed gratitude to the management teams and production companies that have supported her throughout her career. She was most recently under Viva Artists Agency after parting ways with Star Magic.
"I don't wanna burn bridges, you know why? Sa lahat ng network, management, production house, naalagaan ako, na-protektahan ako, naging mabuti and sobra akong grateful," she said.
Despite her new career set-up, Julia emphasized that she remains open to working again with Viva, ABS-CBN, Star Cinema and other production companies.
"Andon pa rin 'yung desire ko na makipagtrabaho sa lahat — from Viva, to Star Cinema, to Regal, with all the production houses. Gusto kong patuloy pa rin iyong trabaho, basta naman may magandang storya," she added.
Julia also revealed that she intentionally stepped back from acting following the commercial success of the romantic drama "Un/Happy for You," her blockbuster reunion film with Joshua Garcia.
The break, she said, allowed her to reassess the kind of projects she wants to pursue.
"Ginusto kong mas maging maingat sa susunod kong gagawin. Gusto kong maging masaya sa proyektong gagawin ko. I want to finish the project na fulfilled ako, na may impact siya sa akin. So nag-hintay ako ng tamang timing. You just have to be patient and God is good, dumating 'to, and I have an exciting project also with this," she shared.
Reflecting on the decision to pause, Julia said timing ultimately played a key role in shaping her next career move.
"I guess timing is everything and everything happens for a reason. Sometimes it's good to take a pause para malaman mo 'yung direction na gusto mong puntahan," she said.
Set for release on Christmas Day as part of the 2026 Metro Manila Film Festival, "Haunted Carnival" also stars Maricel Soriano, John Arcilla, James Reid, Fyang Smith, Joaquin Arce, Celyn David and Charlie Fleming.
RELATED: Vic-Vice, Julia-James movies among first 4 entries of MMFF 2026 with P299 ticket
- Latest
- Trending
Exclusive
