Preparations are ongoing for GMA-7's version of the 2016 Korean drama series, Descendants of the Sun.
It was announced in late 2016 that the Kapuso network will do a remake of the Koreanovela, which is top-billed by Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo, Jin Goo, and Kim Ji-won.
After three years, Descendants of the Sun (DOTS) was announced as one of the upcoming shows of GMA-7 this 2019.
In an exclusive interview last February 1, PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) asked GMA Vice President for Entertainment Lilybeth Rasonable about the developments of the project.
According to Rasonable, the creators of DOTS—KBS Drama Production—allowed the Kapuso Network to add Filipino elements to their version to fit the Philippine setting.
She said, "We are writing it.
"Medyo mahaba habang proseso 'yan dahil we coordinate with the owners of the franchise, e."
"The beauty of it is, although we have to be faithful to the soul of the story, they're allowing a little leeway to Filipinize, para mas naka-akma sa Philippine culture.
"Pero sinusulat pa lang. It may look simple but there are so many big scenes in the show."
2019 CAST
As early as January 2019, fans have been discussing on social media the Kapuso stars they want to see in the Filipino version of Descendants of the Sun.
In fact, PEP.ph's sister site, Cosmo.ph, compiled fan requests and comments about the casting.
Some of the names include: Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, Heart Evangelista and Alexander Lee, Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez, Kylie Padilla and Ruru Madrid, and Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo.
A PEP Troika report last January 7 indicated that Dingdong Dantes might be chosen to play the lead role, and Alden might not be able to do the project.
Read: Alden Richards, Pinoy adaptation ng Descendants of the Sun ang susunod na teleserye?
PEP.ph then asked Rasonable if they have already chosen the Filipino cast members.
She only said, "Not yet."
However, the GMA executive divulged that they already have options regarding the lead stars of the Kapuso series.
"There are names but we cannot announce kasi wala pang desisyon, pinapa-approve naman lahat.
"Marami namang worthy rin dito sa GMA na leading men and leading ladies but siyempre, you want to make the right decision."
GMA is known for launching newbies into stardom by tapping them to play important roles in remakes.
These include: Barbie Forteza in Stairway to Heaven (2009), Andrea Torres and Mikael Daez in Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga (2012), Sanya Lopez in Encantadia (2016), and Gil Cuerva in My Love From The Star (2017).
Will the Descendants of the Sun remake follow this suit?
Rasonable answered, "I don't know pa. It could be a launchpad.
"There are four important characters in that soap, so it could still be a launchpad.
"Even if it's not given to the lead, there are two others. Pero we are looking with the mix of people."
The network has also yet to announce its target airing date for the remake of Descendants of the Sun.