Thailand’s box-office horror-comedy hit “Pee Mak” is getting a Filipino adaptation, starring Wilbert Ross and Bea Binene, and is set to premiere in Philippine cinemas on October 14.
Directed by Victor Villanueva, the upcoming film brings a local twist to the 2013 Thai blockbuster, combining horror, romance and comedy while introducing the story to a new generation of Filipino moviegoers.
The remake also stars Vandolph Quizon, Jairus Aquino, TJ Valderrama and Cup of Joe vocalist Gian Bernardino, who makes his big-screen acting debut in the film.
A love story beyond death
The film follows Mak, a soldier who returns home from war to reunite with his wife, Nak, and their newborn child, unaware that his wife died during childbirth.
As Mak settles back into his life, his four friends begin noticing strange occurrences surrounding Nak and eventually discover that she is a ghost.
Determined to protect their friend, they attempt to reveal the truth, setting off a series of frightening and comedic encounters.
The story explores love, loyalty and friendship, blending supernatural horror with humor and emotional moments.
A taste of Pinoy in ‘PeeMak’
In an interview with GMA’s “KALURKS!,” co-star Candy Pangilinan said the Filipino adaptation of “Pee Mak” will feature humor that local audiences can relate to.
“You won’t be disappointed. This has a Filipino flavor. You’ll really feel how Filipino it is. This is still ‘Pee Mak,’ but it has a distinctly Filipino feel. You can really sense Filipino humor in this version.”
Meanwhile, Binene admitted feeling pressure to live up to the success of the original Thai film, which has already been adapted in Indonesia.
“Of course, the pressure is always there. First of all, it’s the highest-grossing Thai film of all time. It has also been adapted in Indonesia, and now the Philippines is doing its own version. Naturally, there’s always pressure.”
Despite the pressure, Binene expressed gratitude to Viva Films, the producer of the film, for trusting her and her co-stars with the project.
‘PeeMak’ trailer hits million views
The actress also welcomed the positive response to the film’s trailer, which she said garnered eight million views within 24 hours.
“The response and feedback have been really encouraging. The last time I checked, it had reached eight million views in 24 hours. We’re extremely thankful and excited for our Kapuso viewers to finally watch it,” she said.
Mario Maurer supports the remake
Thai actor Mario Maurer, who played Mak in the original 2013 film, has expressed his support for the Philippine adaptation, congratulating Wilbert Ross and the rest of the cast.
“I want to congratulate Wilbert Ross and the whole cast of the Philippine version of Pee Mak. I know guys that you will do great,” Maurer said in a video message cited by Tribune.net.
He also encouraged Filipino moviegoers to watch the remake when it opens in cinemas on October 14.
Ross, who takes on Maurer’s role in the Filipino version, said he was touched by the Thai actor’s message.
“Nakakataba po ng puso (It’s heartwarming),” Ross told PEP Cabinet Files in a September 22 interview.
“Of course, Mario is one of the biggest stars in Thailand. It’s an honor to portray his role as Mak in Pee Mak.,” he added.
He also said that he hopes to meet the Thai actor in person, sharing that he also watched his other popular film “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.”
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