Dingdong says casting choices for leading ladies are up to producers
“An action drama with a heart.”
That’s how Dingdong Dantes described “The Master Cutter,” the GMA Prime series that’s now streaming on Netflix.
He assured viewers that safety measures were implemented during production and admitted that he used a stunt double for some of the show’s action sequences.
“It’s not something that I brag about. There are things that I cannot do, I would admit. I’m 45. But there are things that I’m still excited to do,” the Kapuso star told the press during a Netflix event.
“One thing is for sure, yung stunt double ko ay OK yung aming samahan dahil minsan nga kahit hindi kailangan nandun siya. Why? Because it gives jobs to other people. But more so, may mga times na kailangan din talaga, especially when we’re doing multiple units so kakailanganin talaga siya.”
He emphasized that the series is not solely centered on action scenes and that action is only one element of the show. “Yung spectacle, it’s something that we are proud of but ito talaga yung action na may puso. We’re really focused on the core of the show,” he said.
“For me, it’s an action series with a heart, focusing on modern family, focusing on father-daughter relationship and the many other relationships within the whole universe of Brgy. Tabang Lupa.”
Helmed by Dominic Zapata, “The Master Cutter” is set in Baclaran and tells the story of a former scout ranger who now lives a double life — working quietly as a tailor by day while taking on dangerous bounty-hunting jobs on the side.
It also stars Sienna Stevens, Max Collins, Shuvee Etrata, Jo Berry and Charlie Fleming. It premiered on Netflix 72 hours before it aired on free TV and is also available in other Southeast Asian countries. It also airs weeknights at 8:15 on GMA Prime and via Kapuso Stream and GMA Play.
Meanwhile, Dingdong was grateful that no accidents occurred while filming the action sequences. He told The STAR, “Di naman masyadong dangerous bukod sa mga sabog-sabog ganun. But anything that requires any physical movement, may danger talaga yan lalo kung hindi maganda at maayos yung execution.
“We are just fortunate that we have a very good stunt team under Jonar del Rosario. Sinisiguro niya ligtas ang lahat ng gawin — medyo simple man yan o hindi… We did all the safety measure that can be on set.”
Dingdong also shared that his wife, Marian Rivera, enjoyed watching the action-packed pilot episode of the series.
“She watched it. Napagod din siya, even me. Parang na-feel niya yung pagod ng characters on screen. Natuwa siya (at the same time),” Dingdong beamed.
His reaction was also sought on his co-star Max asking permission from Marian for their scenes in “The Master Cutter.” Max had earlier shared that she spoke with Marian about the project.
“I don’t know that. I saw it in one of the articles. Hindi rin naman nai-kwento sa akin ni Marian but kung ano man yun, I think it’s a sweet gesture,” Dingdong said.
“I mean they’re friends, Max is a very good friend. We are together in PPL Entertainment, (same talent) management company.”
They previously worked together in “Pahiram ng Sandali,” “Firefly” and “Only We Know.”
“We’ve been friends since then,” added Dingdong. “And lalo na ngayon magkasama kami… I saw her growth as an actress, as an artist and I’m so proud of her. In fact, mas close pa nga sila ni Marian kesa sa amin kaya nakakatuwa na they have that kind of friendship. So I think that’s so sweet.”
When further asked whether he also seeks Marian’s approval in terms of his choice of leading ladies in a project, Dingdong replied, “Walang ganun. It should be a creative decision and decision of the producers.”
He added that this was also the case in “The Master Cutter” and described Max as the “perfect choice” for the role of Elaine, the island girl in the series.
Meanwhile, Dingdong shared how he celebrated Mother’s Day every year with the mothers in his life. “I always say that every day should be Mother’s Day. Pero siyempre maganda lang na may ganung celebration because I also get to celebrate it with my mom, together with her (Marian) and together also with the mothers in Marian’s life — her grandmother, my mother-in-law.
“Ang saya lang makita in one place, also in one frame that’s why we always take pictures. Isipin mo mommy ko, her lola, Marian and her mom, also my tita, parati yan pag Mother’s Day, magkakasama kami.”
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