Who Will Be Richard Gutierrez' Girl In 'Zorro'?

One of the biggest projects of GMA-7 lined up for the first quarter of the year is the Philippine adaptation of the classic swashbuckling hero Zorro, to be topbilled by Richard Gutierrez. This will be Richard's follow-up series after Codename: Asero, which ended November 14, 2008.

The Kapuso network is now on the lookout for Richard's leading lady, who will play the role of Elena. GMA-7 will hold an open audition tomorrow, January 16, at GMA Network Center from 1 p.m. onwards.

So, expect a new face to emerge as Richard's leading lady in Zorro, much like when Rhian Ramos was paired with him in Captain Barbell.

GMA-7 Program Manager Redgie Magno admitted that they are having a hard time finding a leading lady for Richard.

"Sa totoo lang, sa ngayon, wala pang certainty dun sa leading lady. Kasi ang hirap kuhanan ng leading lady si Richard Gutierrez, di ba? Especially kung foreign [material], alam naman nating Antonio Banderas ‘yan, malaki rin ang expectation dun sa soap na yun. So, siyempre, prepared kami for that," said Ms. Magno in an exclusive interview with PEP managing editor Karen Pagsolingan during her birthday party last January 7.

Among the Kapuso actresses, possible candidates would be Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista, and Rhian. But all are busy taping their current soaps.

Marian will team up once again with Dingdong Dantes in Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang. Heart and Rhian are still doing Luna Mystika and La Lola, respectively; although Rhian's soap will end in a few weeks.

If it's possible, GMA-7 could borrow from ABS-CBN either Anne Curtis or Roxanne Guinoo. If not for their network affiliation, any of these young actresses would be perfect for the role of Richard's leading lady.

~Erwin Santiago