The release of trailers for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry ‘Rewind,’ featuring Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, and the upcoming GMA Network teleserye ‘Love. Die. Repeat,’ starring Jennylyn Mercado and Xian Lim, has sparked discussions online due to perceived similarities in their conceptual frameworks.
Scheduled for the 2023 MMFF, ‘Rewind’ represents a unique collaboration between ABS-CBN and GMA Network for a film project. Meanwhile, ‘Love. Die. Repeat’ is anticipated to hit the small screen on GMA Network in 2024, marking the first on-screen partnership between Jennylyn and Xian.
The series faced delays in its airing schedule due to Jennylyn’s pregnancy with her child with Dennis Trillo, necessitating her temporary break. This marks Jennylyn’s return to the small screen after her maternity hiatus, while Xian previously featured in the series ‘Hearts on Ice’ alongside Ashley Ortega.
Marian enthusiastically embraced the film project when initially presented, expressing her readiness to participate upon reading the script. The film had been offered before the pandemic, and the creators patiently awaited the opportune moment for both actors.
Observant netizens, including TV/movie director and scriptwriter Ronaldo Carballo, have highlighted apparent conceptual parallels between the two projects, both revolving around the theme of “time travel.”
Carballo raised a pertinent query about whether the artists involved are cognizant of the conceptual similarities in their projects. He particularly pointed out scenes in both trailers where the male protagonists (Dingdong and Xian) meet their demise in a car accident, followed by the grieving process of their wives (Marian and Jennylyn), as the clock rewinds.
Expressing concern, Carballo commented on the absence of credit or acknowledgment for the original material that may have inspired these projects. He emphasized the significance of proper acknowledgment, citing the exemplary practices of the late Armida Siguion-Reyna, who ensured due credit and acknowledgment when adapting foreign works.
As of now, no response or statement has been issued by Marian, Dingdong, Jennylyn, Xian, ABS-CBN/Star Cinema, or GMA Network regarding the apparent conceptual parallels between their film and series.
