Everything we know so far about 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' remake starring Anne Curtis, Joshua Garcia, Carlo Aquino
Are you excited about the Philippine adaptation of the hit 2020 K-drama series It's Okay to Not Be Okay?
The original K-drama starred some of the biggest names in the South Korean entertainment industry, including the country's highest-paid actor and Queen of Tears star Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Yea-ji, Oh Jung-se, and Park Gyu-young.
The show followed the ill-fated love story of an anti-social children's book author named Ko Moon-young (Seo Yea-ji) and a psych ward caretaker, Moon Gang-tae (Kim Soo-hyun) who dedicated his life to taking care of his autistic older brother Moon Sang-tae (Oh Jung-se).
What's in store for the Philippine adaptation? Here's what we know so far.
The cast
On May 17, Star Creatives unveiled Kapamilya stars Anne Curtis, Joshua Garcia, and Carlo Aquino as the lead cast members for the much-anticipated remake of the hit South Korean drama.
Anne will play Emilia "Mia" Hernandez (Ko Moon-young), Joshua will be Patrick "PatPat" Gonzales (Moon Gang-tae) and Carlo will star as Matthew "MatMat" Gonzales (Moon Sang-tae).
The local adaptation will mark Anne's first TV project after a decade following Mars Ravelos' Dyesebel. According to the It's Showtime host, the moment the production offered her the role, she "instantly" said yes as she personally loved the original drama.
"I couldn't let it pass," said Anne during the press conference for the series.
"The moment I watched the series in 2021, I called my manager in Viva and asked her if I'll do a series again, I think I would like to do It's Okay to Not Be Okay," she added, highlighting the series depiction of mental health make the series "worth" to do.
"I hope this series will break the stigma and raise awareness [on mental health]."
Meanwhile, Joshua revealed that he would be undertaking immersions, learning more about psychiatric nurses, and getting ready for his character as Patrick Gonzales, both physically and mentally.
“Sa ngayon nagfofocus muna ako sa role ko. Sana mabigyan ko ng justice yung role ko kasi mas maikukwento namin iyong kabuuan ng istorya kasi mas mahaba yung atin,” he said.
“Nagprepare ako ngayon. Nagworkout ako ngayon per i think mas malaki yung importansya na emotionally prepared kami kasi iba rin yung itatackle naming istorya. Medyo sensitive kasi siya," the 26-year-old local actor said.
The series will mark Carlo and Anne's reunion project after their 2008 film, Baler, which also stars Jericho Rosales.
Carlo is looking forward to challenging his acting skills with his character.
"Nalaman ko kasi through friends na sobrang ganda noong character ni Matmat. Sabi nila ma-cha-challenge ako and ayun yung gusto ko as an actor. I’m up for a challenge, kaya hindi ko binitawan. Gusto ko itong subukan at gusto kong gawin," he said.
The director
Mae Cruz-Alviar will direct the upcoming adaptation. She is known for directing the first Filipino film to cross the P900 million mark at the box office, Rewind and some hit KathNiel movies such as Can't Help Falling in Love and Crazy Beautiful You.
"This is a highly anticipated project, and I'm very grateful I am given the opportunity to do this very beautiful Philippine adaptation," the director said.
What to expect in the series?
As per its creative producer Henry King Quitain, the hit K-drama series will focus on the Filipino aspect.
"Gagawin nating Filipino 'yung Korean series and in due time malalaman niyo 'yung changes," he said, adding that they also are working with Filipino animators as the series also highlights animations and illustrations, especially with some scenes showcasing Ko Moon-young's book.
The local adaptation is under Star Creatives and is set to premiere on the video streaming platform Netflix.
Although further details are yet to be announced, such as the exact date of its premiere and other artists who will join the cast, the production said that the series is planning "to showcase the beautiful scenes of Negros province and Iloilo City."