Enrique Gil's comeback movie 'I Am Not Big Bird' was inspired by true events

MANILA -- Enrique Gil's comeback movie "I Am Not Big Bird" has long been pitched even before the actor came into the picture. 

ANIMA, co-producer of the movie together with Black Sheep and Gil's Immerse Entertainment, has been developing the story but can't seem to have the wheels to keep it going. 

ANIMA's creative producer Charrie Avendaño said that they knew they wanted someone like Gil to be attached to the project. So when Gil did said yes and wanted to be part of the project also as a producer, everything just started rolling. 

Gil, together with his co-stars Nikko Natividad, Red Oller, Pepe Herrera and director Victor Villanueva, flew to Thailand to shoot the movie. They spent a total of 14 days, rest days included, and shot scenes in Pattaya and Bangkok. 

During the media conference for the movie on Thursday, the team shared how they fell in love with Thai culture, attractions, people and food. 

Why Thailand, you might ask? 

The movie's writer Lilit Reyes said "I Am Not Big Bird" was inspired by true events. Years back, before the pandemic lockdown, Reyes attended a networking event in Thailand with a friend, when all of a sudden, some of the Japanese delegates started to follow his friend around. Some were even asking to have photos with him. Obviously, Reyes and his friend were puzzled. 

The following year, they were present again and the same group of Japanese delegates approached them again. This time, they brought with them a newspaper. Splashed on the page was the photo of someone who looks like Reyes' friend. He can't seem to remember the headline but just the thought of being mistaken as someone else, gave Reyes a concept for a comedy movie. 

Reyes revealed that when Gil read the script and heard the pitch, he said yes and even persuaded the writing team to push some more (meaning the craziness of the scenes). 

Gil is very much energized for his comeback film. The movie will be shows on Valentine's Day. 

This is a first for Gil. In previous Valentine seasons, he had "My Ex and Whys" and "Alone/Together" with former love team Liza Soberano as their offering for the season of hearts. 

This year, Gil is making a bold move in starring in a comedy movie, solo, without a leading lady and he doesn't mind at all. 

"I Am Not Big Bird" will premiere exclusively in cinemas on February 14. 

Enrique Gil film 'I Am Not Big Bird' in PH theaters on Feb. 14

Enrique Gil to headline comedy film 'I Am Not Big Bird'

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