- Nadine Lustre recently bowed out of her role in the MMFF entry Miracle in Cell No. 7
- The Pinoy adaptation was supposed to be top-billed by Lustre and Aga Muhlach
- With Lustre’s withdrawal, Kapamilya actress Bela Padilla was tapped as her replacement
- The Multi-Media Princess backed out from the project due to medical concerns
Nadine Lustre shocked her fans for suddenly cancelling her participation in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry Miracle in Cell No.7. Lustre was supposed to top-bill the remake of the hit Korean movie with Aga Muhlach, but, due to medical concerns that might compromise her ability to perform her role, the actress withdrew from the project.
MMFF official Noel Ferrer confirmed to ABS-CBN News that Viva Films requested for changes in the movie.
“Miss [Nadine] Lustre has begged off the project due to medical concerns and her resulting inability to perform her duties as an actress during the shoot up to the promotion of the film,” said Vincent Del Rosario, the founder of Viva, in the letter he wrote to the MMFF committee.
Kapamilya actress Bela Padilla was then tapped to replace Lustre in the project which was approved by the committee.
“We believe that Bela Padilla is an excellent actress and a bankable star and she will significantly contribute to the film’s artistry and commercial success,” MMFF stated.
Miracle In Cell No. 7 is one of the first four entries in the 2019 MMFF. The film is the remake of the 2013 hit Korean movie of the same title that tells the story of a mentally-ill man who finds himself imprisoned because of murder. His co-detainees will then help him see his daughter by sneaking her into their prison cell.
While Lustre’s withdrawal from the project saddened her fans, they understood her situation. However, some believe that her withdrawal due to medical concerns is just a “show” made by Viva Films since they really wanted Bela for the project.
Nakakalungkot man yung balita regarding Miracle in Cell No. 7 na hindi na si Nadine yung bibida pero I am still so proud and more opportunities and blessings will definitely come to her and more roles on TV and movies soon. I am waiting for Your Moment and I love you mamiii
— shayna (@ariesthine) July 25, 2019
https://twitter.com/ROMELevelUp/status/1154580683131478016
https://twitter.com/bufordbaljeet/status/1154324339652608001
Dont put the blame on Nadine, knowing Viva, sila sila lang din may kagagawan niyan.
— Nadine's child (@presidentNL) July 25, 2019
https://twitter.com/gemrodelas/status/1154336024417357830
Its okay. I dnt like remakes 4?nadine anyway. Also,medjo delicate yang miracle eh kasi it tackles death penalty. Im sur reporters wil ask nadz her thoughts and opinions abt death penalty and im sur shel answer well but knowing mga pinoy, ma bash pa si nadz dyan.Blessing na rin to
— on HIATUS – be back wen James has new music & proj (@EXcoolgirlproj) July 25, 2019
Nonetheless, Bela’s fans are happy for her inclusion in the film.
Miracle In Cell No. 7 is set to be released in December as part of MMFF.
