MANILA— Actor Zanjoe Marudo is back on the big screen as he returns in acting for the upcoming family drama film, “How To Get Away From My Toxic Family.”

During the cast presentation of the project produced by entertainment and vlogger Ogie Diaz on his OgieD Productions Inc., Marudo revealed why he said yes to the project.

Zanjoe Marudo with the cast of 'How To Get Away From My Toxic Family' with film producer Ogie Diaz
“Nung tinawagan ako for pitching, tapos in-explain nila ‘Yung character ng story then right after nung mapag-usapan ang character ng story, right after that nag yes na ako, kahit na wala pang script,” the actor said.

According to Marudo, the project waited for him for quite a while before he agreed to the production.

“Kasi marami ang pwede mangyari, inantay talaga nila ako e, kung kailan daw ako ready, kung kailan ko daw gusto pag-isipan and kung sasagot ako, doon lang sila mag-uumpisa pumili ng ibang cast, kasi dapat kamukha ko, hawig and believable kasi nga pamilya kami,” he explained.

Diaz, meanwhile, also explained why he chose Marudo as their lead in the movie.

“Kasi siya ‘yung sumasalamin or ‘yung itsura njya kasi parang tagapag-taguyod ng pamilya parang ganun. So sabi namin, kailangan makuha namin si Zanjoe kasi marami rin naman napatunayan si Zanjoe kaya sabi ko hindi na tayo mahihirapan sa kanya. Kapag napa-Oo natin si Zanjoe tsaka pa lang tayo mag casting kaya natutuwa naman kami,” Diaz said.

The production team also believed that the lead cast will make an impact on the story.

“Kapag umayaw si Zanjoe, kailangan namin mag-meeting ulit kung sino ang next na makukuha namin, kasi doon namin i-base ‘yung mga mukha nung kapatid, nanay, tatay nung lead. Kaya nung nag oo siya, game na rin kami,” he said.

Written by John Bedia, the project also includes Susan Africa, Nonie Buencamino, Lesley Lina, Richard Quan, Juharra Asayo, and Keena Pineda and will be directed by Law Fajardo.

The producers aim to release the project on January 22, 2025, exclusive only to SM Cinemas.