Fans of the popular historical fiction novel “I Love You Since 1892” were disappointed when Marlo Mortel announced he will not be taking the role Juanito Alfonso in the film adaptation.
On Sunday, July 13, Marlo address supporters who had been hoping for his reunion with Janella Salvador.
“Mga binibini at ginoo, nababasa ko ang inyong mga saloobin nitong mga nakaraang araw. Ngunit tulad ng nabanggit, ikinalulungkot kong ibalita na hindi ako ang gaganap bilang Ginoong Juanito Alfonso,” he wrote.
Written by Mia Alfonso, with pen name Binibining Mia, in 2016, the story follows Carmela Isabella, a modern-day woman who travels back to Spanish colonial-era Philippines where she meets Juanito, an aspiring doctor. The novel’s fandom surged in 2018 after ABS-CBN published its print version with Marlo and Janella on the cover.
On her social media accounts, Mia defended the new casting by Viva One and Wattpad Webtoon, saying she trusts director Mac Alejandre and the production team.
“Ukol sa new casting ng Viva One, makaaasa kayo na dumaan din ito sa mabusising proseso at mararamdaman niyo rin ang kanilang dedikasyon sa pagyakap sa bawat karakter ng nobela,” she said.
As of writing, no official lead stars have been announced.
