Actor-turned-director Carlos Morales is back in the limelight with ‘Wild Boys’, a film he both stars in and directs—marking his return to Philippine cinema after years of living and working abroad.
The movie, which has been described as a local blend of ‘Magic Mike’, ‘Step Up’, and ‘Stomp the Yard’, had its red-carpet premiere on June 3 at Gateway Cineplex in Araneta City.
Morales, who now goes by his real name Carl Woodruff Jr. in his directing credits, calls ‘Wild Boys’ a dream project that took seven years in the making. The idea was born from his teenage years as a dancer with the popular 90s group Exclusive Dancers, which frequently performed on ‘That’s Entertainment’.
“It’s a dream project for me. During my teenage years, I was a dancer and I’ve always wanted to create a film where I can showcase that other side of me,” Carlos shared.
“Wild Boys is a unique blend of Magic Mike, Step Up, and Stomp the Yard. It’s one-of-a-kind, and we’re confident it will bring joy, excitement, and inspiration to our audience.”
The film centers on an ageing macho dancer (played by Morales) who refuses to give up his passion for dancing despite the decline of the bar he works in. It’s a story of perseverance, self-expression, and the pursuit of artistic passion.
The movie also features a powerhouse cast including Aljur Abrenica, Vin Abrenica, Martin Escudero, Nicco Locco, Jimboy Martin, Arwind Santos, Rash Flores, and Pedro Red, among others. Morales’ dance skills were once again on display as he performed during the premiere night, much to the delight of the crowd.
Now 49 and based in California where he works as a nurse, Morales proved he still has the energy and charisma that made him a standout in films like ‘Laro sa Baga’, for which he won the PMPC Star Awards for Best Actor and earned a Gawad Urian nomination.
Aside from directing and acting, Morales is busy forming an all-male sing-and-dance group for the ‘Wild Boys’ sequel. He’s looking for performers who are at least 5’10” tall, physically fit, and can sing and dance—echoing the aesthetics of a modern-day male revue.
Carlos also teased his upcoming podcast project titled ‘Wild Nights’, which will showcase real-life, steamy confessions sent in by followers. Stories from security guards, gym instructors, and masseurs are already lined up for the show’s premiere next week.
Currently in the Philippines for a three-week stay, Morales is meeting with local distributors ahead of the commercial release of Wild Boys this August 2025.
