TBA Studios recently announced that Jericho Rosales is set to headline Quezon, a historical biopic on President Manuel Quezon.
Following the announcement, netizens raised the question why TJ Trinidad, who previously played the older Manuel L. Quezon in Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, was not tapped to headline the movie.
According to a report by Rolling Stone Philippines, TBA Studios executive Daphne Chiu explained the reason, sharing: "TJ Trinidad has business commitments outside of showbiz that he’s currently focused on."
She added: "He has expressed his full support for the film, especially Jericho Rosales and Benjamin Alves, who will portray Quezon in different versions. TJ sent a message to TBA Studios, saying, 'Thank you TBA, and good luck to the cast and crew. Can’t wait to see this on the big screen!' We love TJ and wish him all the best in his endeavors."
Meanwhile in a recent press release by TBA Studios, Jericho expressed his excitement to star in the biopic.
"I feel so honored to be with this team. Coming to a script like this which is so potent and so entertaining, I feel so lucky and happy," the actor remarked.
He went on: "Here, you will see Quezon as a person. He's not written as a hero. He is cunning, he is charming, he is intelligent. Quezon is such an interesting character to play; there are so many things I can put into the role to build Quezon as a character. That adds to the pressure, but at the same time I am very excited."
Other cast members of the movie include Mon Confiado as Emilio Aguinaldo, Benjamin Alves as a younger Manuel Quezon, Karylle as Manuel's wife Aurora, Romnick Sarmenta as Sergio Osmeña, JC Santos as Manuel Roxas, and Cris Villanueva as the older version of the fictional character in the movie, Joven Hernando.
Directed by Jerrold Tarrog, Quezon is set to be released in cinemas this 2025.