ABS-CBN remaking 'Bagman' series starring Arjo Atayde

MANILA, Philippines — ABS-CBN is launching a remake of its 2019 socio-political show "Bagman" starring Arjo Atayde as its tentpole international co-production for 2023.

The series follows barber and father-to-be Benjo Malaya (Atayde) who does "jobs" for a governor in order to keep his shop, getting lured into a dark and dangerous web of deceit and power struggle.

Ultimately, Malaya decides to use his acquired skills to rise up the country’s ladder of power to "protect" what he deems most important to him.

For his role of Malaya, Atayde became the first Filipino to win Best Actor at the 2020 Asian Academy Creative Awards.

Rolando Inocencio, Chanel Latorre, Yayo Aguila, Raymond Bagatsing, Mon Confiado, Carlo Aquino and Max Eigenmann also starred in "Bagman." 

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"Bagman" was a co-production of Dreamscape Digital and Rein Entertainment, and after two seasons on iWant became available on Netflix.

Titled "The Bagman," the remake continues Malaya's story, this time doing contract jobs for the president of the Philippines after his family has gone missing. 

The continuation series will be co-produced by Nathan Studios, run by his fellow actors, mother Sylvia Sanchez and sister Ria Atayde. No further details were given ahead of the series' launch at the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market later this month.

"I have no doubt 'The Bagman,' packed with action, suspense, and dark humor, will have audiences around the world on the edge of their seats," ABS-CBN’s head of international production division Ruel S. Bayani said about the new venture.

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