Netizens expressed their concerns about the possibility of a boycott of the first Filipino animated Netflix film ‘Hayop Ka’ because of Robin Padilla whose voice work is included in the film.
One netizen urged the public to not boycott the film for the animators.
https://twitter.com/nebulastrokes/status/1307940943509647360
Another netizen also urged the public to watch the movie while acknowledging dismay over Robin’s fascist views.
So imagine an animated show about animals with a soapy pinoy plot…
I still hate Robin 'cause he's a huge supporter of this fascist government, but I've been waiting for Hayop Ka! to be released for a while now. Manood kayo! 😉 https://t.co/3MhcSp8E4L
— Clarisse (@lykahttn) September 22, 2020
One netizen also felt conflicted about the movie because of Robin but did note that he would watch it for the greater good and those who have worked hard for the film.
https://twitter.com/s0rbetero/status/1308011105923395585
Another netizen also struggled between supporting animators and boycotting the movie.
Genuinely struggling with the call to boycott Hayop Ka.
On the one hand, the animation industry in the Philippines doesn't get the credit, and support it should, and it's important for us to show that we will support more Filipino animated shows and films by watching it.
— ＰＡＵＬＡ (@QuesoDePaula) September 22, 2020
Another netizen asked why did the studio choose Robin as one of its voice actors.
https://twitter.com/vakhasrivos/status/1308214095926104065
Another netizen also added that boycotts would send a strong message to producers.
Boycotting Hayop Ka will send a strong message to the producers.
That I do not support enablers and fascist.
Even if it's just my one voice, I will still not watch it. https://t.co/mxkEwSpFM4— Chiaki 🌷 (@watashiwachiaki) September 22, 2020
Other netizens suggested recasting the role close to its release date on Netflix.
Please sign this petition! It's to recast Robin Padilla from the animated Netflix film: "Hayop Ka"
Robin Padilla is a known DDS and is causing so many people to not support the film. RECAST HIM! https://t.co/xWTySAuEXw
— m⩜⃝lay⩜⃝ | 🍋 (@jjonggiggle) September 21, 2020
https://twitter.com/doktorastrange/status/1308263188408926209
Robin is a known Diehard Duterte Supporter and had been subject to ridicule due to his fascist political views. On the other hand, the movie’s lead voice actress Angelica Panganiban has been vocal in her criticisms of the government especially with their response to the pandemic and ABS-CBN’s shutdown.
The animated film drops on October 29 via Netflix.
It revolves around Nimfa, a cat who must choose between two dogs, Roger and Iñigo. ‘Hayop Ka’ uses animal characters similar to Zootopia, tackling adult-themed storylines. Aside from Robin and Angelica, the film also features Sam Milby, Empoy Marquez, Arci Muñoz, and Eugene Domingo. Rocketsheep studios produced and animated the film together with Spring Films.
Rocketsheep Studios also created the 2016 semi-animated film ‘Saving Sally’. They also made the animated version of ‘Zsazsa Zaturnah’ which is based on a popular comic book.