The making of an iconic villain: Mon Confiado shares transformation process as William Acosta in “High Street”

Liezel dela Cruz

Great actors have the power to leap off the screen and evoke a spectrum of emotions in their audience. When you think of “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/seniorhigh2023" target="_blank">Senior High</a>” and “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/highstreet2024" target="_blank">High Street</a>,” it’s impossible not to immediately picture the commanding presence of Mon Confiado as Governor William Acosta. His portrayal of this villainous character is nothing short of beastly, making him a memorable antagonist.His performance didn’t just hold our attention—it gripped us, pulled us into the twisted world of Governor Acosta. As the corrupt politician, he didn’t just play the villain—he became a symbol of the darker forces at play in society, revealing unsettling truths. He made us question not just the character’s intentions but also the societal structures that allow such a figure to rise to power.His portrayal was a masterclass in creating a villain that resonates on multiple levels, leaving a lasting impression that’s hard to shake. All of this has made Governor William Acosta an iconic figure.During his guest appearance on Kapamilya Chat, Mon was ecstatic to share that fans have included William Acosta in Wiki fandom pages as one of the most legendary villains in movies, putting him on the same level as the Joker.“Para malagay ka do’n, or gawan ka ng gano’n ay talagang iconic ‘yung character,” he shared. “Nakakatuwa na mahilera tayo do’n, kahit pa kontrabida si William Acosta. Totoo ‘yun na napaka-successful ng ‘Senior High’ at ‘High Street.’”Portraying Gov. Acosta was no easy task. From the beginning of “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/seniorhigh2023" target="_blank">Senior High</a>,” he had to bring to life a character who outwardly appeared powerful and respected, yet was deeply despicable underneath. “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/seniorhigh2023" target="_blank">Senior High</a>” ended with a cliffhanger showing Gov. Acosta facing his karma – he fell from the Northford High School building, mirroring Luna&#x27;s fate. However, unlike Luna, Gov. Acosta survived the fall, adding an unexpected twist to his story in the sequel, “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/highstreet2024" target="_blank">High Street</a>.”During the story conference for “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/highstreet2024" target="_blank">High Street</a>,” it was Mon who suggested to the directors that William might look better bald. He thought it would be more realistic for William to have lost his hair after all the medical procedures and operations he went through—especially with his skull and jaw likely shattered. The director liked the idea and asked Mon if he was willing to go for it.“Sabi ko, ‘Of course, basta sa ikagaganda ng character at ng project natin, why not?’” To make William look more beastly and to realistically show the consequences of the fall—like his shattered face—they added prosthetics to his look.Mon is known for his methodical approach to acting. He doesn’t just play the role; he becomes it. The next challenge was adapting his movement and expression to fit a character who was bedridden and had a speech defect. From this, everyone marveled at Mon&#x27;s brilliance as an actor. He managed to immerse viewers in his emotions by letting only his eyes convey everything, showcasing his exceptional ability to express profound feelings without a single word.Mon feels incredibly honored to be part of this two-part series and is grateful for the experience. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa Dreamscape at sa aking mga direktor sa pag-guide sa akin during our taping,” he said. He also enjoyed having a tandem with Dimples Romana, who played William’s equally evil sibling, Tori. While William’s own villainy didn’t fully come to fruition, Tori continued his legacy of darkness.As the “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/highstreet2024" target="_blank">High Street</a>” finale approaches, Mon is thrilled for viewers to see the explosive plot twists that the entire cast and crew have prepared. “Ito ang magdudugtong at magsasara ng “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/seniorhigh2023" target="_blank">Senior High</a>,” he teased about the show’s finale week that you definitely shouldn’t miss.

Mon Confiado shares the fun and challenging parts of playing William Acosta in “High Street.”