Jennylyn drops clues on ‘My Love From the Star’ leading man

CEBU, Philippines - For those still holding out hope that Alden Richards be cast opposite Jennylyn Mercado in the Philippine adaptation of hit Koreanovela “My Love From the Star,” consider those hopes dashed.

Jennylyn revealed Tuesday that her leading man for the upcoming show has already been chosen, and the clues she dropped make it clear it’s not Alden or any other current male actor in the Kapuso stable. In fact, the chosen one to play the alien Matteo Do isn’t an actor at all.

“Meron na po. Bago po, bago po talaga. Nagpa-audition po,” Jennylyn revealed during the launch of her seven-track album “Ultimate Jennylyn Mercado.”

“My Love From the Star” revolves around an alien (played by Kim Soo-hyun in the original) who landed on Earth and is torn between his feelings for a famous actress (Steffi Cheon, portrayed by Jun Ji-hyun of “My Sassy Girl” fame) or returning to his own planet.

The GMA-7 version, set to begin taping last week of October according to Jennylyn, will be directed by Bb. Joyce Bernal.

“Nag-audition sa amin and nag-acting-acting kami. Basta moreno at model. Basta hindi po siya artista,” Jennylyn further revealed of her love interest, who, according to the storyline, should be younger than she is.

The award-winning actress and “Superstar Duets” host said she doesn’t mind being paired with a total newbie, since he will be made to undergo the necessary acting workshops.

Asked what her treatment of the well-loved character of Steffi will be, Jennylyn quipped, “Dapat pareho, pati movement,” said Jennylyn, adding that she prepared for the role by watching the original Korean series.

Comparisons to the performance of the original actress are inevitable, but Jennylyn said she hopes the feedback will be more on the positive side. (FREEMAN)