From rom-com to action: Wilbert Ross takes on villain role in ‘The Guardian’

MANILA, Philippines — Known for his rom-com leading-man roles, Wilbert Ross finds it challenging to take on his first action-villain role in the Korean-Filipino flick “The Guardian,” directed by Jeong Jang Hwan (“Steel Rain” and “Save the Green Planet!”) and filmed entirely in the Philippines. The film is top-billed by K-pop idol and INFINITE vocalist Nam Woo-hyun and “Jewel in the Palace” actress Park Eun-hye.

According to the media release, Nam Woo-hyun plays Do Jun, a college dropout who is skilled in taekwondo. Since childhood, he dreamed of becoming a national taekwondo player by winning medals at various competitions. But Do Jun had to give up that dream to stay by his mother’s side in the Philippines.

Park Eun-hye plays Mi Jin, Do Jun’s mother, who raised him all by herself.

Park Eun-hye plays Mi Jin, Do Jun’s mother, who raised him all by herself. She chose to make the Philippines their home to escape the judgment of her fellow Koreans over her life as a single mother.

Through hard work, Mi Jin is now a successful businesswoman who tries to help a friend with a gambling problem. Unfortunately, she becomes addicted to gambling as well. She’s on the verge of losing her business and home, but that’s not the worst that happens. Mi Jin gets kidnapped by Cha Dong-cheol (played by Han Jae Seok), the leader of the largest Korean criminal organization in the Philippines.

Yassi Pressman plays Sandara, a café employee who dreams of becoming a K-pop star.

Despite his strained relationship with his mother, Do Jun doesn’t think twice about rescuing her from her captors. But he only has 48 hours to do it, so he must act fast before it’s too late.

Joining the cast is Wilbert Ross, who plays Jason, one of the movie’s more complex characters.

Yassi Pressman plays Sandara, a café employee who dreams of becoming a K-pop star. She eventually becomes close friends with Do Jun.

Nam Woo-hyun plays Do Jun, a college dropout who is skilled in taekwondo.

Ashtine Olviga also takes part in the film as a K-pop auditionee.

Eric Ejercito, Billy Villeta, Jacq Yu, Fatima, Yumi, Heart Ryan, Joko Diaz, Katya Santos and Jeric Raval are also part of the film, which will be screened in cinemas nationwide starting Sept. 2.

“To play a villain role is new to me,” admitted Wilbert at a press conference, which was also attended by Eric and producers Wesley Villarica of Parallax Studio Inc. and Micah Fernandez of Robosheep Studios. “Bago po sa akin yung role na parang cool. Bilang lang po yung ngiti dun (character) tapos parang sarcastic pa na ngiti. You will see a different Wilbert here.”

Han Jae Seok plays Cha Dong-cheol, the leader of the largest Korean criminal organization in the Philippines.

Wilbert has appeared in VIVA’s rom-com series “Golden Scenery of Tomorrow” and “Love U Lots,” as well as the upcoming film “Pee Mak,” the Philippine adaptation of Thailand’s horror-comedy flick, opposite perennial love team partner Bea Binene.

“For me, rom-coms are very light. In the action genre, when we filmed it, there were many angles and ways of shooting, and it’s a different kind of art. Talagang bilib din po ako sa mga art director at sa mga fight scene choreographers kasi iba siya eh. And there’s a chance for you to get injured,” said Wilbert.

Ashtine Olviga also takes part in the film as a K-pop auditionee.

“During the shoot, may ilang beses po akong nagkaroon ng mga gasgas sa katawan dahil sa mga action scenes… And it’s really a challenge. Medyo malayo po sa rom-com na light lang, medyo pakilig-kilig lang. Here, you have to show that you are capable of doing the scenes physically.”

He also shared that there was a scene on a ship that took four hours to film.

“From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Grabe po yung araw, as in sunog po talaga yung buong balat ko. Kunting gasgas lang. Hindi naman siya yung nangyayari talaga siyang… Because we have (stunt) doubles for the tough scenes or yung parang mga kailangan bumagsak sa ganito.”

Eric Ejercito is Coco, a friend to Yassi’s character.

Wilbert made sure to train on his own while he was in Davao for the action scenes before heading to the set.

Micah, on the other hand, assured the press that they followed safety protocols on set and that the actors were well taken care of.

Wilbert initially auditioned for Eric’s role, Coco, but they switched roles at the last minute, the former shared.

Nevertheless, Wilbert admitted that he is more comfortable doing rom-coms, saying that he is at his best in the genre. However, taking on projects outside his comfort zone, such as an action film, is an entirely different experience.

“The Guardian” was screened in South Korea last June and will soon be distributed globally through Lionsgate Films, Wesley announced.