Filipina actress Bela Padilla revealed she has stepped away from the upcoming ABS-CBN mystery thriller series “What Lies Beneath,” which was first announced in December 2024.

The series, set to feature a stellar cast including Janella Salvador, Julia Barretto, Charlie Dizon, JM de Guzman, and Jake Cuenca, had generated significant anticipation among fans, especially with Padilla’s highly awaited return to “Maalaala Mo Kaya” (MMK).
I sadly had to back out of this show because of two upcoming films
genuinely one of the hardest goodbyes as both the story and character i was given were both so beautiful. But the actress taking over my role is one of my faves! Very excited to watch it when it comes out
— Bela Padilla (@padillabela) June 1, 2025
Padilla, known for her compelling performances, shared the news on social media, expressing her regret. “I sadly had to back out of this show because of two upcoming films,”she wrote
“Genuinely one of the hardest goodbyes as both the story and character I was given were so beautiful.”
Despite the disappointment, she expressed excitement for the actress replacing her, noting, “But the actress taking over my role is one of my faves! Very excited to watch it when it comes out.”
The decision comes amidst a busy period for Padilla, who is juggling multiple projects, highlighting the challenges actors face in managing their schedules. “What Lies Beneath” remains a highly anticipated project, with fans eagerly awaiting its premiere, now adjusted to accommodate the cast changes.
Bela Padilla’s upcoming episode on “Maalaala Mo Kaya” (MMK) continues the anthology’s tradition of showcasing poignant real-life stories, this time focusing on a Filipino woman who was tricked into working for a scam company and subsequently enslaved.