Viva Films is kicking off 2026 with a major remake—and possibly a major heartbreak—as the Filipino adaptation of the beloved Korean hit ‘A Werewolf Boy’ gears up for its nationwide release on January 14, 2026.
And in a bold creative choice, director Crisanto Aquino confirmed during the film’s grand mediacon that the Philippine version will have a different ending from the original Song Joong-ki–Park Bo-young classic.
“Kailangan namin siyang baguhin for the Filipino audience,” Director Cris said, explaining that the local adaptation is crafted to be more heartfelt, more family-oriented, more romcom, and more dramatic—qualities Pinoy viewers gravitate toward.
The announcement stirred curiosity online, especially from fans familiar with the 2012 Korean film whose bittersweet finale became iconic.
Adding to the excitement, the trailer amassed 15 million views in just 21 hours across platforms, with multiple RabGel hashtags dominating the trending charts.
The mediacon also became a stage for real-life kilig when the film’s lead actor Rabin Angeles confessed that he had a crush on his co-star Angela Muji long before they became a love team.
“Bata pa lang po ako, crush ko na si Angela. Kaya may chemistry—titig ko pa lang, crush ko siya,” Rabin revealed, drawing screams from fans present.
Angela didn’t hide her reaction: “Kinikilig ako. Someone like Rabin saying that—grabe.”
She described her leading man as “very charming in all aspects,” adding that their chemistry comes naturally during scenes and workshops.
The duo, collectively known as RabGel, first gained massive popularity through the hit Viva One series “Seducing Drake Palma.”
Rabin’s transformation into the feral, speechless Boy is being praised early on, with the trailer showcasing his physicality and emotional restraint.
He admitted he initially underestimated the role: “Akala ko madali kasi wala akong linya. Pero sobrang hirap pala.
Hindi mo mapakita emosyon mo kapag ‘di ka nagsasalita.”
To prepare, Rabin studied animal behavior: “Palagi ako nanonood ng mga aso—paano sila gumalaw, paano sila sa amo nila. Ang hirap pero ang daming workshop para dito.”
Director Cris shared that Rabin also endured long hours in prosthetics, mud scenes, and physical stunts, while Angela matched his emotional intensity in crucial scenes.
Director Cris said working with RabGel again was a blessing, emphasizing how much they’ve grown since ‘Seducing Drake Palma’.
“They’re so hungry to learn. Ang gagaling ng artista—mabilis ang shooting, walang sakit ng ulo.”
Veteran actress Candy Pangilinan, who joins the ensemble, was likewise impressed: “They can act. They really can act.”
The film also features a powerhouse supporting cast, including Lorna Tolentino in a special role, along with Yayo Aguila, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Albie Casiño, Rose Van Ginkel, and many others.
The original Korean version ends with the elderly heroine Sun-yi returning to her childhood home, only to find that Chul-soo—unchanged and still waiting—remained loyal for decades. The ending’s lingering sorrow and unresolved devotion made it a classic.
But for the Philippine version, audiences can expect a fresh emotional direction tailored to local sensibilities.
With soaring online engagement and undeniable real-life chemistry between Rabin and Angela, Viva Films appears poised for a strong opening in January.
‘A Werewolf Boy’ PH adaptation premieres in cinemas nationwide on January 14, 2026.
