Richard Gutierrez is back in action, and he is not content with repeating past roles. His co-star Gerald Anderson matches his energy and intensity in fight scenes that push both actors to their limits.
“I’ve had to get massages more than once to recover from the aches of our tapings. We’ve had many sleepless nights and body pains,” Gutierrez said. Yet the long hours and bruising stunts are worth it. “More than anything, we’ve accomplished something special.”
Gutierrez still performs most of his stunts himself, though he admits a bit of wisdom now guides him.
“I used to do all of it, but now I do most of them,” the 42-year-old actor said.
Anderson, on the other hand, described working with Gutierrez as energizing.
“It’s like I have a partner in crime. We had a fight scene early in the morning, and even after running and chasing each other all day, Richard’s energy did not dip. It pushes you to give your best,” Anderson noted.
The two actors share a natural camaraderie on set. Gutierrez said he draws inspiration from Anderson’s athleticism and drive.
“When it comes to fight scenes and action, it’s all about giving it your all, no matter the hour,” he explained.
In Blood vs Duty, their characters come from separate worlds that collide amid illegal firearms and systemic abuse.
Gutierrez plays Marcus, a government agent tasked with mitigating gun violence. Anderson is Jalil, the brother of Barbie Imperial’s Jamilah and son of Datu Rahman, played by Jaime Fabregas. The series also stars Bela Padilla as Lara and Baron Geisler as Felix.
The ensemble cast also includes Ejay Falcon, Rommel Padilla, Susan Africa, Bobot Mortiz, Bodjie Pascua, Malou Crisologo, and to name a few. The series is directed by FM Reyes, Bjoy Balagtas, and Rico Navarro with Erwin Tagle serving as action director.
“It’s about people who are supposed to be connected but circumstances separate them. Destiny forces them into conflict but it also creates a way to resolve bigger problems,” said writer Cenon Palomares.
Produced under ABS-CBN’s JRB Creative Production, the series is from the same creative team behind Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin, Darna, Nag-aapoy na Damdamin, and Sins of the Father.
Blood vs Duty streams on Netflix starting April 3, on iWant on April 4, and premieres on primetime via ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live on April 6 at 8:00 p.m.
