Photo via APT ENTERTAINMENT INC. (@aptentertainmeninc.) / Instagram
Vic Sotto, known for his comedic legacy, has taken on a dramatic role for the first time in his career. As part of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), Sotto stars in The Kingdom, an alternate-history drama exploring a Philippines that remained uncolonized, transforming into a monarchy instead of a democracy.
In the film, Sotto plays Lakan Makisig, the ruler of Kalayaan. He faces leadership challenges and succession issues with his three children. Directed by Mike Tuviera and produced by APT Entertainment, MQuest Ventures, and MZet Productions, The Kingdom aims to tackle themes of discipline and governance, all set in a modern yet monarchic society.
When asked about the project, Sotto shared that his family encouraged him to try drama, urging him to explore roles outside his comfort zone. The concept of the film intrigued him, presenting a unique “what if” scenario about the country’s history and governance.
“The idea of imagining our country as a monarchy instead of a democracy caught my attention,” Sotto said. “It’s different from what I’ve done before. The discipline and structure of such a society are central themes in the story, but it also questions how that discipline is applied.”
Sotto admitted the project came with challenges. The dialogue required deep Filipino language devoid of Spanish loanwords, making memorization difficult. Moreover, he underwent physical training for action scenes shared with co-star Piolo Pascual, who plays an outcast that complicates the kingdom’s internal conflicts.
Although this is Sotto’s first serious dramatic role, he remains open to more projects of this nature in the future. However, fans of his comedic roles need not worry—he hinted that the beloved Enteng Kabisote may return someday. “We’re already talking about it with Direk Mike,” Sotto teased, leaving the door open for more laughter down the road.
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