Beyond a stellar performance: The significance of Joseph Marco's casting in 'The Bridge' | ABS-CBN
ADVERTISEMENT

Welcome, Kapamilya! We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Continuing to use this site means you agree to our use of cookies. Tell me more!
Beyond a stellar performance: The significance of Joseph Marco's casting in 'The Bridge'
Beyond a stellar performance: The significance of Joseph Marco's casting in 'The Bridge'
Miguel Dumaual,
ABS-CBN News
Published Jun 18, 2020 06:44 PM PHT
|
Updated Jun 24, 2020 02:33 AM PHT

MANILA — Beyond a performance that exceeded expectations, the casting of the Philippines' Joseph Marco in "The Bridge," an international series with actors from at least four countries, sees the strengthening ties among Asian content creators — undeterred by the pandemic that has forced countries to self-isolate.
MANILA — Beyond a performance that exceeded expectations, the casting of the Philippines' Joseph Marco in "The Bridge," an international series with actors from at least four countries, sees the strengthening ties among Asian content creators — undeterred by the pandemic that has forced countries to self-isolate.
Marco, 31, is a new cast member in the second season of "The Bridge," a Viu production, in association HBO Asia, that premiered its 10-part second season on Monday.
Marco, 31, is a new cast member in the second season of "The Bridge," a Viu production, in association HBO Asia, that premiered its 10-part second season on Monday.
Marco portrays Filipino-Singaporean Christian Salvador, head of an environmental non-profit who gets drawn to Serena Teo, the lead character played by Singapore's Rebecca Lim.
Marco portrays Filipino-Singaporean Christian Salvador, head of an environmental non-profit who gets drawn to Serena Teo, the lead character played by Singapore's Rebecca Lim.
The Malaysia-produced crime thriller is in collaboration with neighbors in Southeast Asia, sewn cleverly into the premise of the new season.
The Malaysia-produced crime thriller is in collaboration with neighbors in Southeast Asia, sewn cleverly into the premise of the new season.
ADVERTISEMENT
In the words of executive producer Min Lim: "We have a yacht that's registered in Singapore, but is found floating aimlessly in the coast of Malaysia, and on board they find a dead Indonesian family."
In the words of executive producer Min Lim: "We have a yacht that's registered in Singapore, but is found floating aimlessly in the coast of Malaysia, and on board they find a dead Indonesian family."
The territorial complication brings together agents from each country, portrayed by Lim, Malaysia's Bront Palarae, and Indonesia's Ario Bayu.
The territorial complication brings together agents from each country, portrayed by Lim, Malaysia's Bront Palarae, and Indonesia's Ario Bayu.
FINDING CHRISTIAN
Expanding to a fourth country, the Philippines, was suggested by one of the directors, TJ Lee, as a way of introducing another Southeast Asian neighbor.
Expanding to a fourth country, the Philippines, was suggested by one of the directors, TJ Lee, as a way of introducing another Southeast Asian neighbor.
"We were actually just going to cast someone, a Filipino living in Malaysia at the time, because production was happening mostly in Malaysia," producer Lim said.
"We were actually just going to cast someone, a Filipino living in Malaysia at the time, because production was happening mostly in Malaysia," producer Lim said.
A dinner function in Singapore, where ABS-CBN Ruel Bayani was also a guest, changed that plan, however.
A dinner function in Singapore, where ABS-CBN Ruel Bayani was also a guest, changed that plan, however.
Lim is head of production of Malaysia's Double Vision, which in 2008 co-produced with ABS-CBN the acclaimed drama series "Kahit Isang Saglit," starring Malaysia's Carmen Soo and the Philippines' Jericho Rosales.
Lim is head of production of Malaysia's Double Vision, which in 2008 co-produced with ABS-CBN the acclaimed drama series "Kahit Isang Saglit," starring Malaysia's Carmen Soo and the Philippines' Jericho Rosales.
Bayani is ABS-CBN head of international productions and co-productions, as well as the head of RSB Scripted, the umbrella unit behind the hit "The Killer Bride" and the ongoing "A Soldier's Heart," among others.
Bayani is ABS-CBN head of international productions and co-productions, as well as the head of RSB Scripted, the umbrella unit behind the hit "The Killer Bride" and the ongoing "A Soldier's Heart," among others.
In a virtual conference on Wednesday, Lim and Bayani recalled that they were discussing future collaborations, when the prospect of casting a Filipino actor in "The Bridge" came up.
In a virtual conference on Wednesday, Lim and Bayani recalled that they were discussing future collaborations, when the prospect of casting a Filipino actor in "The Bridge" came up.
"She told me about a Filipino character that was written in for season 2, and then as Min said, they were supposed to cast someone from Malaysia. I said, 'Why? Why not cast one of our actors? I can send you anyone you want!'" Bayani said.
"She told me about a Filipino character that was written in for season 2, and then as Min said, they were supposed to cast someone from Malaysia. I said, 'Why? Why not cast one of our actors? I can send you anyone you want!'" Bayani said.
"I'll send you a list, the reels, and I hope you can choose who you think will suit the character," he recalled telling Lim.
"I'll send you a list, the reels, and I hope you can choose who you think will suit the character," he recalled telling Lim.
The list was narrowed down to five potential Christians, and then three, and then two, until the final choice became Marco.
The list was narrowed down to five potential Christians, and then three, and then two, until the final choice became Marco.
Marco's reel included his lead roles in the ABS-CBN dramas "Wildflower" and "Los Bastardos" — performances that proved a great fit for the character of Christian.
Marco's reel included his lead roles in the ABS-CBN dramas "Wildflower" and "Los Bastardos" — performances that proved a great fit for the character of Christian.
UNEXPECTED 'EDGE'
Marco's casting encountered a few challenges, as the actor had commitments that conflicted with the schedule of "The Bridge," Bayani recounted. But "working back and forth" ultimately secured Marco the stint — only he had to fly straight from Japan, where he was shooting a Regal Films project, to Malaysia, with less than a day to spare to get in-character as Christian.
Marco's casting encountered a few challenges, as the actor had commitments that conflicted with the schedule of "The Bridge," Bayani recounted. But "working back and forth" ultimately secured Marco the stint — only he had to fly straight from Japan, where he was shooting a Regal Films project, to Malaysia, with less than a day to spare to get in-character as Christian.
That he also had to welcome the New Year in Malaysia was a worthwhile sacrifice for Marco.
That he also had to welcome the New Year in Malaysia was a worthwhile sacrifice for Marco.
"Who wouldn't want to be part of this award-winning crime-thriller?" he said, referring to the first season of "The Bridge" being named Malaysia's Best Drama in the Asian Academy Awards.
"Who wouldn't want to be part of this award-winning crime-thriller?" he said, referring to the first season of "The Bridge" being named Malaysia's Best Drama in the Asian Academy Awards.
"It's such a big thing for us actors to get an international gig. That, in itself, I was blown away, I was so excited. I'm super thankful that I'm able to be part of this."
"It's such a big thing for us actors to get an international gig. That, in itself, I was blown away, I was so excited. I'm super thankful that I'm able to be part of this."
"Grateful" was also how Lim described having Marco on board for "The Bridge," as she narrated the actor's first few days on set.
"Grateful" was also how Lim described having Marco on board for "The Bridge," as she narrated the actor's first few days on set.
"We really didn't know what a Filipino actor would bring. We really had no expectations. But Joseph has blown all our expectations out of the water. He came in and he really brought something to the role, an edge that we never expected when when we were writing the character," she said.
"We really didn't know what a Filipino actor would bring. We really had no expectations. But Joseph has blown all our expectations out of the water. He came in and he really brought something to the role, an edge that we never expected when when we were writing the character," she said.
The producer praised Marco's "chemistry" with Lim, saying it shone despite them having no prior working relationship.
The producer praised Marco's "chemistry" with Lim, saying it shone despite them having no prior working relationship.
"I think they shot their first scene the day after they met for the first time, and he really, really delivered. I'm really grateful that we managed to get him on the show," she said.
"I think they shot their first scene the day after they met for the first time, and he really, really delivered. I'm really grateful that we managed to get him on the show," she said.
'A WHOLE WORD OF POSSIBILITIES'
But more than Marco's distinctive performance, his part in an international, specifically Pan-Asian series, signifies a shared cause among creatives in the region — that of showcasing its talents on the global stage.
But more than Marco's distinctive performance, his part in an international, specifically Pan-Asian series, signifies a shared cause among creatives in the region — that of showcasing its talents on the global stage.
"We're extremely proud of being part of this landmark project. I'm sure not all of you know what a big deal it is for the Asian content industry for something like this [to happen]," Bayani said, nothing that "The Bridge" is consumed in nearly 30 markets globally.
"We're extremely proud of being part of this landmark project. I'm sure not all of you know what a big deal it is for the Asian content industry for something like this [to happen]," Bayani said, nothing that "The Bridge" is consumed in nearly 30 markets globally.
"And right now, onscreen, you have great actors from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines. To me, it's almost like a dream project."
"And right now, onscreen, you have great actors from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines. To me, it's almost like a dream project."
For now, as the coronavirus pandemic forced borders shut, further "dream projects" of the same regional scale have had to be put on hold. But both Lim and Bayani are confident the pause is just that.
For now, as the coronavirus pandemic forced borders shut, further "dream projects" of the same regional scale have had to be put on hold. But both Lim and Bayani are confident the pause is just that.
Bayani even offered, in jest, to help mount a possible third season of "The Bridge" in Palawan or Boracay, and, on a serious note, looked forward to introducing actors Lim, Palarae, and Bayu to Filipino viewers, similar to Soo's successful foray here. (Palarae was previously seen in "Motel Acacia," which was co-produced by ABS-CBN Films' Black Sheep and was locally released.)
Bayani even offered, in jest, to help mount a possible third season of "The Bridge" in Palawan or Boracay, and, on a serious note, looked forward to introducing actors Lim, Palarae, and Bayu to Filipino viewers, similar to Soo's successful foray here. (Palarae was previously seen in "Motel Acacia," which was co-produced by ABS-CBN Films' Black Sheep and was locally released.)
"It's a whole world of possibilities!" Bayani said. "We're all content creators, we're all artists, we're all leaders of sorts in the region. We're all working hard together. We need teamwork to succeed."
"It's a whole world of possibilities!" Bayani said. "We're all content creators, we're all artists, we're all leaders of sorts in the region. We're all working hard together. We need teamwork to succeed."
ADVERTISEMENT
James Bond franchise shake-up moves spy into Amazon stable
James Bond franchise shake-up moves spy into Amazon stable
Agence France-Presse
Published Feb 21, 2025 07:03 AM PHT

Daniel Craig as James Bond. Handout

LOS ANGELES - In a move that looks set to shake -- and maybe even stir -- one of Hollywood's most bankable franchises, Amazon MGM Studio is to take creative control of James Bond, as the fictional British spy's long-time producers step back.
LOS ANGELES - In a move that looks set to shake -- and maybe even stir -- one of Hollywood's most bankable franchises, Amazon MGM Studio is to take creative control of James Bond, as the fictional British spy's long-time producers step back.
An agreement announced Thursday sees ownership of the rights to 007 shared between the movie behemoth and producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, who are heading into retirement.
An agreement announced Thursday sees ownership of the rights to 007 shared between the movie behemoth and producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, who are heading into retirement.
The news comes four years after the last Bond film, in which Daniel Craig bowed out as the secret agent, with fans left to fill the intervening time with speculation about who will replace him.
The news comes four years after the last Bond film, in which Daniel Craig bowed out as the secret agent, with fans left to fill the intervening time with speculation about who will replace him.
Now with Amazon at the helm, the audience may not have to wait too long for the next installment -- or for spin offs.
Now with Amazon at the helm, the audience may not have to wait too long for the next installment -- or for spin offs.
ADVERTISEMENT
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos wasted no time in soliciting opinions.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos wasted no time in soliciting opinions.
"Who'd you pick as the next Bond?" Bezos asked followers on X.
"Who'd you pick as the next Bond?" Bezos asked followers on X.
The agreement confirms that Wilson and Broccoli will not be involved in the Bond franchise after they signed off in 2021 with "No Time to Die" -- the 25th James Bond movie, which earned $775 million.
The agreement confirms that Wilson and Broccoli will not be involved in the Bond franchise after they signed off in 2021 with "No Time to Die" -- the 25th James Bond movie, which earned $775 million.
Wilson, whose career with 007 spans nearly 60 years, said he would focus on "art and charitable projects," while Broccoli has announced plans to pursue other ventures.
Wilson, whose career with 007 spans nearly 60 years, said he would focus on "art and charitable projects," while Broccoli has announced plans to pursue other ventures.
- Treasured heritage -
"We are honoured to continue this treasured heritage," said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, noting the franchise's six-decade impact on film culture.
"We are honoured to continue this treasured heritage," said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, noting the franchise's six-decade impact on film culture.
The deal builds on Amazon's 2022 acquisition of MGM, which included distribution rights to Bond's extensive back catalog.
The deal builds on Amazon's 2022 acquisition of MGM, which included distribution rights to Bond's extensive back catalog.
The new arrangement gives Amazon MGM Studios creative authority over future productions of the franchise, which has been closely guarded by the Broccoli family since Albert "Cubby" Broccoli and Harry Saltzman first brought author Ian Fleming's character to theaters.
The new arrangement gives Amazon MGM Studios creative authority over future productions of the franchise, which has been closely guarded by the Broccoli family since Albert "Cubby" Broccoli and Harry Saltzman first brought author Ian Fleming's character to theaters.
Barbara Broccoli, who has worked with four different actors in the role of 007 -- Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Craig -- described her tenure as "dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy" inherited from Cubby, her father.
Barbara Broccoli, who has worked with four different actors in the role of 007 -- Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Craig -- described her tenure as "dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy" inherited from Cubby, her father.
Wilson and Broccoli were steadfast in defending the James Bond character and brand, and resisted spin-offs and licensing that they felt might have tarnished the franchise.
Wilson and Broccoli were steadfast in defending the James Bond character and brand, and resisted spin-offs and licensing that they felt might have tarnished the franchise.
The financial terms of the joint venture were not disclosed.
The financial terms of the joint venture were not disclosed.
Reaction to the news on social media was largely downbeat, with fans lamenting what they saw as the inevitable over-exploitation of the brand by the Amazon juggernaut.
Reaction to the news on social media was largely downbeat, with fans lamenting what they saw as the inevitable over-exploitation of the brand by the Amazon juggernaut.
Several users tweeted variations on "RIP James Bond," posting memes of headstones and franchise characters dying.
Several users tweeted variations on "RIP James Bond," posting memes of headstones and franchise characters dying.
"DON’T cinematic universe James Bond," wrote @joerussotweets, referring to the vast expansion of Marvel characters under Disney ownership.
"DON’T cinematic universe James Bond," wrote @joerussotweets, referring to the vast expansion of Marvel characters under Disney ownership.
"It is one of our last, great theatrical events. Don’t dilute that with a plethora of streaming spin-offs."
"It is one of our last, great theatrical events. Don’t dilute that with a plethora of streaming spin-offs."
While the occasionally lengthy waits between installments could frustrate fans, some bemoaned the likely speeding up of the process.
While the occasionally lengthy waits between installments could frustrate fans, some bemoaned the likely speeding up of the process.
"We used to get a (generally) very good James Bond movie every few years, but that’s all out the window now. Get ready for Young Q and 00 Origins: Trevelyan and other unwatchable Amazon Prime slop," wrote @MikeBeauvais.
"We used to get a (generally) very good James Bond movie every few years, but that’s all out the window now. Get ready for Young Q and 00 Origins: Trevelyan and other unwatchable Amazon Prime slop," wrote @MikeBeauvais.
arp-hg/bgs
© Agence France-Presse
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT