Posted on By Nazamel Tabares

Manu Respall on fantasy epic ‘Ecean of the Crescent Realm’: “We’ll tell the world how Filipinos do it”

A high fantasy, sci-fi epic rivaling the world-building and visuals of Avatar or The Lord of the Rings, Manu Respall’s creation is finally coming to fruition after nearly three decades of development.

‘Ecean of the Crescent Realm’ takes us to the year 3011, on a rehabilitated “second Earth” called Therra. A dark horse prince must rise against his own lineage to prevent humanity from repeating the ecological destruction of the past.

The high-concept series explores the affinity between sentient beings and nature, the weight of historical cycles and the struggles for ecological and spiritual redemption.

Three individuals posing together in front of a green screen. The first person on the left wears a black off-the-shoulder top and a necklace. The central figure wears a red fur coat and has elaborate long nails, while the person on the right is dressed in a black t-shirt and a white striped jacket.
Meili Holmes and Ada Escalante with Manu Respall
A person posing with a confident expression near a display featuring intricate artwork on the wall, surrounded by decorative plants and a faux fur covering on the table, which holds a model and a skull.
Manu Respall with his concept art materials for ‘Ecean of the Crescent Realm’
A group of five people posing together in front of a green screen, dressed in casual and stylish clothing. They stand on a couch with studio lighting in the background.
August Lyle Espino and Lem Francia of Glitch Films, Manu Respall, Paul Pajo, Kenn Piczon, musical scorer Waxie Joaquin

We talked with creator, actor and director Manu Respall about his project during their media launch, and he shared some information about Ecean of the Crescent Realm.

At least how much is needed to mount ‘Ecean of the Crescent Realm’?

“I found the right people, and these people are in love with the material, and they want to do this with me. Hindi siya ganun kamahal as we think it is. Ballpark figure, episode kasi ito, a P100M per episode – 10 1 hour episode per season and this is 5 seasons. Kaya siya eh, if we do the math. Kailangan lang talaga ng gago na maniniwala.”

Can you say that this project is ambitious?

“Super! I call this nga, ‘The Impossible Project.’

Any big stars joining ‘Ecean of the Crescent Realm’?

“Can I say ‘yung mga dream cast na medyo kinakausap ko na din? Angel Aquino, Raymund Bagatsing, Raymund is going to play the lead king. Tapos sila Eula Valdez, I want Nadine (Lustre), Gold Aceron is going to play the best friend of Ecean. I’m also in this, I have a small role. Maricel Soriano, I want her. Mon Confiado will definitely be part of this.”

When will ‘Ecean of the Crescent Realm’ be released?

“The dream is late or early 2027. Sana may something na, even a balita of we’re making episode 1 na kasi ito lahat ‘to, puro R&D (Research and Development) na, gagawin na ‘yung mga costume, production na this year, ‘yun ang gusto namin.”

When asked why he’s passionate about this project, Manu shares how Filipino talents, especially in the visual arts department, are often overlooked at. He shares, “We’ll let the world know how Filipinos do it.”

Check out some concept art visuals for ‘Ecean of the Crescent Realm’ below (via Glitch Films):

A haunting film moodboard featuring a skull-like figure in dark attire, with intricate jewelry and an eerie expression, titled 'PROJ:ECEAN' by Glitch Films.
A figure in a flowing robe stands in a cosmic landscape filled with swirling clouds, stars, and a prominent black hole, with two crescent moons illuminating the scene.
A mystical figure with blue skin and ornate headpiece, holding a glowing orb surrounded by lightning energy, set against a dark, temple-like background.

Watch our coverage from the media launch below:

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