Espantaho Explained

Espantaho is an upcoming Philippine supernatural horror film directed by Chito S. Roño from a screenplay written by Chris Martinez.^[1] It stars Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino.^[2] The film is part of the ten official entry of the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival.

Cast

• Judy Ann Santos^[3]
• Lorna Tolentino; her role was supposed to be played by Vilma Santos. Vilma stated that there was some "problem" on the character and later withdrew from the project to act in Uninvited, which Vilma said is a "dream story".^{[4] [5]} This marks Tolentino's return to acting in horror films since 1995's Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara.^[6]

Other cast members inclue Janice de Belen, JC Santos, Mon Confiado, Chanda Romero,Nico Antonio, Donna Cariaga, Kian Co, Eugene Domingo, and Tommy Abuel.

Romero's role was supposed to be played by Charo Santos.^[4]

Production

September 12, 2024, Quantum Films in their 20th year anniversary revealed in their social media page their upcoming horror film titled Espantaho with its logo and official cast leading by Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino. Aside from Santos and Tolentino, Chanda Romero, Mon Confiado, JC Santos, Donna Cariaga, Nico Antonio, Kian Co and Janice de Belen are confirmed to be part cast with Tommy Abuel and Eugene Domingo revealed that have special roles in the film.^[7]

Release

The film will be released theatrically on December 25, 2024, as part of the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival.^[8]

Notes and References

1. News: Asis . Salve . Feng Shui ni Kris ginagawan na ng series; direk Chito wala nang gana sa horror . Feng Shui of Kris is on the works as a series; director Chito was tired in horror . . August 4, 2024 . October 22, 2024.
2. News: Bonoan . Reggee . Juday mananakot sa horror movie na ‘Espantaho’, ilalaban sa 2024 MMFF? . . September 4, 2024 . October 22, 2024.
3. News: Deveza . Reyma . Judy Ann Santos stars in new horror movie with Lorna Tolentino . . October 16, 2024 . October 22, 2024.
4. News: PEP Troika . Cast Reveal: Judy Ann Santos at Lorna Tolentino bida sa Espantaho . Cast Reveal: Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino main leads in Espantaho . PEP.ph . Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc.. September 11, 2024 . October 22, 2024. fil.
5. News: Santos . Rhea Manila . Vilma Santos reveals why movie with Judy Ann Santos didn’t push through . 26 November 2024 . ABS-CBN News . 24 November 2024. en, fil.
6. News: Krishnan . Ganiel . Lorna Tolentino returns to horror after 29 years with MMFF entry 'Espantaho' . 26 November 2024 . ABS-CBN News . 25 November 2024. fil.
7. Web site: Evangelista . Jessica Ann . Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino to team up for new horror film . . September 13, 2024 . September 20, 2024.
8. News: Metro Manila Film Festival announces last 5 official entries for 2024 edition . . October 22, 2024.