The boundary-pushing action thriller The Guardian is set to hit theaters nationwide this September 2, 2026, marking a landmark achievement for Philippine cinema through a full-scale, worldwide theatrical release born from a groundbreaking international co-production. Directed by Jeong Jang Hwan (Steel Rain, Save the Green Planet!), the film bridges the creative powerhouse of South Korea with the Philippines, combining high-octane martial arts, intense family drama, and top-tier local and international talent.
The journey to bring The Guardian to life did not start in a traditional studio boardroom, but on a golf course. Wesley Villarica of Parallax Studios Inc. revealed how an offhand conversation spiraled into a historic joint venture with visiting Korean filmmakers. “Actually, nagsimula ‘yan sa golf game,” Villarica shares. “I was playing golf with a friend of mine and I was talking about what we’re doing with Robosheep for virtual production. So, he mentioned that he have some Korean filmmaker friends who would be interested to go and talk to us.” Rather than acting as a simple line production crew for a foreign project, Villarica aimed to bring honor to Filipino filmmakers by securing a full co-production deal, noting, “I wanted to bring honor to Filipino filmmakers and open the door. I haven’t really heard or met any other Filipino filmmakers who has done a full-on co-production with a Korean production company.” After six months of negotiations and roughly seven script revisions, both teams finalized a story built for an international stage.
Learning about the massive global scope of the release came as a thrilling surprise to the film’s cast. “Ngayon lang namin nalaman na worldwide pala siya. Surprising and happy siyempre,” shares actor Wilbert Ross about his reaction to the global release. “Pangalawa ko pa lang ‘to, ‘yung una Nokturno tapos ito. Big thing for me.” Co-star Eric Ejercito echoed those feelings, calling the global reach an absolute dream come true for local actors. “Parang saying bucket list checked is an understatement. It’s such a dream, as an actor, to have your face seen by the whole world. Such an accomplishment. We’re just grateful for Parallax and Viva for the opportunity.”
Filmed entirely on location in the Philippines, The Guardian follows Do Jun, played by K-pop idol and Infinite vocalist Nam Woo-hyun. Do Jun is a former Taekwondo prodigy who abandoned his athletic ambitions to remain by the side of his single mother, Mi Jin, played by established Hallyu star Park Eun-hye (Jewel in the Palace). When Mi Jin falls victim to a gambling addiction and gets kidnapped by Cha Dong-cheol (Han Jae Seok), the head of a major Korean criminal syndicate operating in the country, Do Jun is forced into a brutal 48-hour race against time to rescue her.
The production boasts an exceptional roster of Filipino talent who earned their spots through competitive auditions. Wilbert Ross takes on one of his most complex roles yet as Jason, showcasing his growing versatility beyond his musical background. Yassi Pressman stars as Sandara, a café worker chasing her dream of becoming a K-pop idol who forms a close bond with Do Jun, while Ashtine Olviga appears as a fellow auditionee. The impressive Filipino ensemble is rounded out by Eric Ejercito, Joko Diaz, Katya Santos, Jeric Raval, Billy Villeta, Jacq Yu, Fatima, Yumi, and Heart Ryan.
By seamlessly blending Korean narrative precision with Filipino talent and backdrops, The Guardian sets an ambitious new standard for cross-border storytelling in Southeast Asia. Fans can catch this proud milestone for local cinema when it opens in theaters nationwide on September 2, 2026.
Watch our video coverage from the media conference with Wilbert Ross, Eric Ejercito and the producers of The Guardian: