Dingdong Dantes, Charo Santos join animated show on Filipino mythology
MANILA, Philippines — An upcoming animated series inspired by Philippine mythology is expanding its voice cast with more Filipino actors.
"Sun Chaser" is the brainchild of Filipino-American filmmakers Bernard Badion and Bobby Pontillas currently in development after receiving the MIFA Animation du Monde Prize at last year's Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
The series follows self-absorbed teenager Jordan Santos whose grandmother's island is attacked while the family is on summer break, thrusting Jordan into the unlikely protector of his younger cousins.
"Jordan and his companions are pulled into a mythic ocean realm, setting sail aboard a legendary vessel known as the Sun Chaser," goes a logline for the project. "As they navigate enchanted seas and extraordinary islands to rescue his grandmother and save the island, Jordan must evolve from a reluctant kid into a true leader."
Initially cast to voice Jordan was Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto, best known for his roles in "The Good Place," "The Acolyte," "Nine Perfect Strangers," and "Freakier Friday."
Newly added voice cast members representing the Philippines are Charo Santos-Concio, AC Bonifacio, KD Estrada, Dingdong Dantes, and his daughter Zia.
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Part-Filipinos Liza Soberano, comedian JR de Guzman, and "Loki" actor Eugene Cordero are also in the ensemble cast.
Coincidentally, Liza, who is producing through her Funny Face Films, and Jacinto lent their voices in the upcoming animated movie "Forgotten Island," which also revolves around Philippine mythology.
Miguel Del Rosario and Marlyn Montano are also credited producers on "Sun Chaser," which was animated entirely by Philippine studios Toon City and PlayLab.
Both Badion and Pontillas are long-time creatives in Hollywood who have worked in film and television.
Pontillas worked in the animation departments for "Zootopia," "Big Hero 6," "Wreck-it Ralph," "Rio," "and "Ice Age: Continental Drift" before making his directorial debut in the short film "One Small Step," which was nominated for the Best Animated Short Film Oscar in 2019.
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