Cherie Gil and Ryan Agoncillo topbill this TV series, which has the tagline "Laban ng anak, dalamhati ng ina." Cherie reprises the role of the late Charito Solis while Ryan is tapped to play Rigor, which was portrayed to the hilt by Ace Vergel.

The plot revolves around Rigor (Ryan) and his relationship with his mother Amanda (Cherie). As Rigor grows up without a father, he becomes a troubled young man who has a dark side.

The afternoon TV series Pieta replaces Ligaw na Bulaklak, which airs right after Wowowee. This upcoming show was shot in squatters areas in Malabon, Navotas, and Baseco in Tondo. Pieta tells the story of a mother's unconditional love and sacrifice for her son.

Ryan Agoncillo initially had apprehensions about doing this action-oriented drama series. "Nanliit ako nang mabasa ko ang script noong una. Sinadya ko talaga yung writers pagdating ko from Argentina [where he taped Pinoy Fear Factor]. Sinadya ko talaga silang kausapin at tinanong ko, ‘Sigurado ba kayong sa akin n'yo gustong ipagawa 'to?'

"And when they gave me their vote of confidence, that's all I needed para lang magawa ko 'to nang hindi ako nahihiya sa sarili ko."

Krista Ranillo is cast as Martha, the lady love of Rigor (Ryan). She reprises the role of Vivian Velez, but this time her character is a college student who catches the fancy of the streetsmart goon.

When asked to describe how she made the shift from a kontrabida to a selfless mother, Cherie Gil pointed out that her directors helped her tremendously. "Alaga talaga sila pagdating sa old habits ko. There are moments na masyado akong matapang, sini-signal ako na palambutin mo ng konti...There are moments kapag kumakain ako, yung paghawak ko ng fork, nakaganun, so I have to get out of those habits."

Alessandra de Rossi is cast as the young Amanda (who grows to be portrayed by Cherie Gil). Her character becomes involved with Miguel (portrayed by Baron Geisler).

Baron Geisler is the young Miguel (portrayed by John Regala when he grows up). In the story, he rapes Amanda and they become mortal enemies.

Joross Gamboa is the young Delfin, someone who wants to take care of Amanda.

When Delfin grows up, he is portrayed by Jestoni Alarcon. He takes care of Rigor when Amanda is imprisoned.

John Regala is the crimelord of a syndicate that is involved with drugs and smuggling goods. "Gusto kong maghiganti kay Amanda kasi pinutulan niya ako ng pagkalalaki ko," says John about his character Miguel.

DJ Durano plays Kabo, the hitman of Miguel. "Sobrang bigat ng kamay ko dito. First day ko fight scenes agad, sumakit nga kamao ko kinabukasan," narrates DJ about his role.

Jason Abalos is Efren, a childhood friend of Rigor. He is a close friend and part of Rigor's gang. "Yung character ko pwede ring hangaan kasi siya yung righteous sa grupo."

John James Uy is Frank, the rich suitor of Martha. He is obsessed with the girl and attempts to buy her affections with money.

Nina Dolino is cast as the sister of Efren (Jason Abalos). As Jessa, she is in love with Rigor although he is smitted by the beauty of Martha.

Helga (Lyka Ugarte) is the ambitious mother of Martha. She does not want her daughter to be involved with Rigor since he does not meet her standards.

Janus del Prado is Boyong, a friend of Rigor who often reminds him of the decent thing to do.

Jairus Aquino's character is a new addition to the TV series. As Toto, he is the naughty sidekick of Rigor.

During the grand press conference of Pieta, Cherie said that their casting as mother and son was perfect since she and Ryan had similar facial features, particularly the shape of their nose.

Carlo J. Caparas revealed that he and Direk Toto Natividad have been talking about a TV remake of Pieta around three years ago, when they were still doing Panday on the Kapamilya Network.

Direk Toto is now in charge of the action sequences of Pieta while Direk Don Cuaresma is in charge of the dramatic scenes.

According to Ryan, he asked help from his jujitsu team in preparing for the action sequences of Pieta. He also narrated that he has a lot of bruises in his arms and on his body because of the fight scenes.