Ryan Agoncillo is shedding off his ‘good boy’ image as he takes on the role of Rigor, the street-fighting lead character of ABS-CBN’s newest teleserye Pieta.  ABS-CBN.com visited Ryan during one of his physical trainings to talk to him about his preparation for his very first lead starring.  In an exclusive interview, the actor-host-model admitted that he is doing all he can so as not to make a fool of himself once he gets into his character.  “Ayokong pagtawanan.  Takot ng bawat performer ang pagtawanan.  You don’t want to fall flat on your face.  I work closely with writers, Direk Toto (Natividad), the fight instructors, I try to learn as much from them.  Direk Toto has been responsible for the careers of so many action stars so he knows what he’s doing so I better listen to him.  I’m a student here, I’m here to learn.  Ayokong pagtawanan kaya makikinig ako sa bawat sasabihin sa akin.”

The Pieta project was first brought up to Ryan last December, and knowing that he finally had a chance to top-bill a teleserye, he immediately said yes.  But when the script was sent to him just three weeks ago, Ryan started to wonder if he made the right decision.  “Noong nasa Argetina ako (hosting Pinoy Fear Factor), na-email sa akin ‘yung script.  After kong basahin, I had sleepless nights.  Nanliit ako.  I had to talk to the staff, to Tita Cory Vidanes kung sigurado ba sila na ako ‘yung gusto nila.  This is action-drama, e aminado naman ako na hindi ako kalakihang tao.  I had to really look deep into myself kung kaya ko ba ‘to, if I’m right for the project.  Umabot ako sa point na naisip ko, teka muna, I might be way in over my head.  Now I’m very grateful that they, including Direk Toto, are 100% backing me up on this.  Without their vote of confidence wala siguro akong kumpyansa to do this.”  

Ryan added that apart from getting ready fitting into an off-beat role, he is also preparing himself from the people’s reaction once he changes his image.  “I’m in this, I’m doing it.  Pero kabado lang ako on how the people would accept it.  Siyempre sanay sila na nakikita akong prim and proper even sa mga soaps na nagawa ko in the past.  This time my character is going to be really dark.  Hopefully I play the role well. But even if I do it well, nandun pa rin ‘yung iniisip mo how the people will accept it.”

Pieta will also star Cherie Gil, Jestoni Alarcon, John Regala, Jason Abalos, Janus Del Prado, John James Uy, Jairus Aquino, Lyka Ugarte, Neil Ryan Sese, and Alessandra De Rossi.