Captain Barbell's much-awaited comeback

MANILA, Philippines - Nearly five years after its original television debut, Captain Barbell takes flight once more as GMA 7 launches the new sequel to the action-adventure series tonight after 24 Oras. The story promises to be more exciting, and the visual effects more amazing, as the greatest Pinoy superhero returns with a new league of extraordinary beings with astounding superpowers.

Richard Gutierrez reinterprets his role as the superhero Captain Barbell, and his alter ego Teng. While Richard has immensely grown as an actor, so did Captain Barbell, who is now set to take on a greater mantle of protecting good from evil, still bearing of course, his iconic red cape.

The story picks up where it left off from the first series with Teng and his besotted Leah (Rhian Ramos) settling down in the city. But their simple life takes a dark turn when Leah is killed and becomes a heart donor to an undisclosed recipient.

In the spirit of true heroism, Captain Barbell fights through his sorrow and continues his quest for peace and order. He meets his strongest opponent in Nero (Christopher de Leon), an evil genius, who became rich through his malevolent ways. Teng, on the other hand, clashes with Gregor (TJ Trinidad), whose father owns the tenement where Teng lives.

Meanwhile, during a freak storm formed by Nero, Captain Barbell helps a woman give birth in the tenement. This woman soon dies thus leaving Teng with the responsibility of taking care of the child, whom Teng names Leah or Lelay (Jillian Ward). At the same time, a strong lightning strikes Teng’s barbell, which in turn spreads unique superpowers among some of the tenants.

Years later, these tenants begin to discover their newfound gifts with some of them choosing to harness their superpowers for good, others for evil. One of them is Gregor, who has grown more jealous and hateful towards Teng. Gregor teams up with Nero, and along with the other supervillains, declares war against Captain Barbell.

On the other hand, General Armando (Eddie Gutierrez), a rich philanthropist, joins forces with Captain Barbell, and urges him to pool together the new league of superheroes.

As Captain Barbell/Teng braves the dark forces, he will also struggle with matters of the heart as he tries to uncover whom between his kind next-door neighbor Melanie (Isabel Oli) and Lelay’s school teacher Althea (Lovi Poe) received Leah’s heart. He will also cross paths with two other ladies who will likewise play important roles in his life, his arrogant boss Anita (Michelle Madrigal) and the avid news reporter Jana (Solenn Heussaff).

With his extraordinary strength, unmatched fighting skills and nearly invincible armor, can Captain Barbell together with the Liga ng Kalayaan successfully take down the supervillains, and defend his name as the ultimate protector of peace? How will he uncover the identity of Leah’s mysterious recipient? Which superheroes will form the Liga ng Kalayaan and who will side with the evil Nero?

Isabel, Lovi, Michelle and Solenn add color to Teng/Captain Barbell’s life, while Jillian stars as the superhero’s sidekick/pseudo-adopted daughter. Rhian reprises her role as Leah in the pilot week of the show.

Led by veteran actor and Richard’s father Eddie Gutierrez, the Liga ng Kalayaan are Bianca King as Lary, General Armando’s fearless assistant; Mike Tan as Teban, a former thief-turned-ally of Captain Barbell; Jake Vargas as Alden, a young superhero who has a top as his weapon of choice; Bea Binene as Misha, another young superhero who wields power with her sword; and Frencheska Farr as Celina, the superheroine with a sonic voice.

On the other side are Paolo Paraiso as Rodel, the sandman; Akihiro Sato as Bruno, the hulkman; Elvis Gutierrez as Gaston, a superhero with the ability to create weapons using only his mind; Ervic Vijandre as Ricky, the flash; Sam Pinto as Sammy, the age-shifting supervillain; Ellen Adarna as Kat, the undecided sexy superhero; and Jon Hall as Rob, Anita’s egotistic business partner.

Completing the cast are Marky Lopez as Hekki, Jana’s assistant; and Ces Quesada as Tiya Lita, Lelay’s manipulative aunt.

The modern interpretation of the Mars Ravelo classic takes it a notch higher as it utilizes cutting edge 3D technology and computer-generated images or CGI in retelling the legendary story. Story-wise, 2011’s Captain Barbell promises to be more dramatic, action-packed and fast-paced than ever before.

The production design is by Australian production designer Peter Collias, who also designed the sets of international blockbusters The Matrix and Moulin Rouge, together with his Filipino counterpart Digo Ricio. The costumes are manufactured by Hong Kong-based costume maker Emily Lai of Cubedecor, while the script is written by senior creative consultant RJ Nuevas under the creative guidance of Jun Lana. Singing the theme song Sandata is Shamrock.

Dominic Zapata, who has helmed fantaseryes such as Mulawin, Darna, and the first Captain Barbell, will direct the sequel.

Captain Barbell also premieres worldwide on March 30 on GMA Pinoy TV.