Pinoy version of ‘Bad Genius’ reveals main cast

Atasha Muhlach, Jairus Aquino, Gab Lagman and Hyacinth Callado are set to topbill the Philippine adaptation of hit 2017 Thai movie “Bad Genius.”

The film, which revolves around the story of a top student running a cheating scheme, became the highest-grossing movie from Thailand in several Asian countries.

Its 2020 series adaptation, on the other hand, won multiple awards, including Best TV Drama Series and Best Screenplay. India released its version, “Farrey,” in 2023, followed by an American remake in 2024.

This year, Studio Viva will produce the Philippine adaptation of “Bad Genius: The Series,” with showbiz royalty Atasha playing the lead role, under the direction of award-winning and blockbuster director Derick Cabrido (Star Awards 2024 Movie Director of the Year for the movie “Mallari” and International Film Fantasy Award 2020 Best Director for the movie “Clarita”).

Direk Derick said of the project, “To be honest, ang daming preparations ginawa (for this project), from the production design to the cinematography, even the scoring and music. When this was first offered to me, ‘di rin ako kaagad naka-decide na tanggapin siya. Parang pinag-isipan ko muna kasi ang taas ng expectations dun sa buong project.”

He continued, “It’s a different material from what I usually do and so how do you change that? And that’s the main problem with adaptations, the expectations are so high and we have to live up to those expectations, including how it’s going to be different from what was done before…. Even the stars had done a lot of preparations such as a series of workshops.”

Joining Atasha are Jairus Aquino, Gab Lagman and Hyacinth Callado who are also stars of VivaOne’s hit University Series.

Atasha will play Lin, a smart scholarship student in a top private school. To maintain her high grades, she helps her classmates with exams, turning it into a money-making cheating scheme.

“When I first heard about the project and I’ve seen the project before, back in college, I would see clips of the movie…. It (the topic) is not naman controversial. Moreso, it’s a great story. And it’s such an honor and blessing to be doing this project,” Atasha said during a presscon that introduced the main cast.

“Of course, I’m nervous because it’s such a huge role but I’m super game to take the risk, as long as I give my best, try my best. I don’t want to take that for granted.”

She said she prepared a lot starting from the script work to the acting workshop. “Just understanding the character and the series,” she said.

Atasha also shared that she also got pointers on how to approach her character from her parents, veteran stars Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez.

“We’ve discussed it at home,” she said, stressing that her parents were “both happy to help” her and twin brother Andres, who’s also starring in another hit Viva One series “Mutya ng Section E.”

Jairus, meanwhile, will play Bank, a top student who sees Lin as a rival, but joins her cheating scheme due to financial struggles.

“It’s a different story from what we’re used to seeing on TV and series. I’m excited because it’s a different material for me and working with Tash, with HyGab (Hyacinth and Gab) again, we’ll see kung ano ang mabibigay namin na best para sa series na ito.”

Gab Lagman will play Pat, a rich student who struggles in academics but is great with money and connections. He helps bring in clients for the cheating business.

“It’s such a good series and movie, I’m just really excited to shoot this. It’s really different from the last character I did (‘Chasing in the Wild’ for Viva One). I’m really excited to showcase what we have,” he said.

Gab is also reuniting with “Chasing in the Wild” leading lady Hyacinth in “Bad Genius.” She will play Pat’s girlfriend and Lin’s first friend in the school. She’s also Lin’s first client who wants good grades to join the theater group.

“In terms of pressure, we all know this is such an internationally well loved film and series,” she said.

“So, just knowing that, we all feel super grateful to be trusted with this responsibility of portraying these roles. We’re excited to showcase the characters from a Filipino perspective,” she added.

The series also features Romnick Sarmenta and Yayo Aguila as Lin’s parents, Ruffa Gutierrez as the strict Principal Perez, Irma Adlawan as Bank’s widowed mother and Joko Diaz as Pat’s wealthy father. Lin’s first clients include Ping (Keagan De Jesus), Thirdy (Alex Payan) and Tony (Gold Aceron).

“Bad Genius: The Series” will stream soon on Viva One.