Aprubado ng Executive Committee ng 45th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) ang hiling ng Viva Films na si Bela Padilla ang ipalit kay Nadine Lustre sa role nito sa Miracle in Cell No.7, ang official entry ng Viva Films sa Metro Manila Film Festival 2019 na pagbibidahan ni Aga Muhlach.
Sa presscon ng Indak, ang dance movie nila ni Sam Concepcion na may playdate sa cinemas nationwide sa August 7, tinanong pa si Nadine tungkol sa kanyang reaksyon sa pagsasama nila ni Aga sa pelikula na sinagot niya ng, “ Very exciting pero as of now, inaayos pa po ang script.”
Several days later, lumabas ang balita na pinalitan si Nadine ni Bela sa karakter na gagampanan niya sa Miracle in Cell No. 7 na kinumpirma ng Viva Films sa pamamagitan ng isang official statement.
“The MMFF Executive Committee has approved the request of Viva Films to replace Ms. Nadine Lustre with Ms. Bela Padilla in the movie Miracle in Cell No.7.
“Ms. Nadine Lustre has begged off from the project due to persistent medical concerns and her resulting inability to perform her duties as an actress during the shoot up to the promotion of the film. After appearing in a succession of films and projects, Nadine would like to take time off before starting another project.
“Bela is an excellent actress and a bankable star like Nadine and will greatly contribute to the films’ artistry and commercial success. We wish Nadine well and Bela the best of luck for Miracle in Cell.No.7.