New cast brings more fire power in season 2 of ‘The Iron Heart’

CEBU, Philippines — The second season of “The Iron Heart” continues to grip viewers with its plot twists and action scenes – making the ABS-CBN series garner more than 400 million social views on Facebook, Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter in the past month.

It also reached its newest all-time high viewership record of 314,898 views last week after the revelation of the alliance of Eros/Commando (Jake Cuenca) and Brother Joseph (JM De Guzman). In the coming episodes, Apollo (Richard Gutierrez) will face more challenges after learning from Menandro (Ian Veneracion) that Priam (Albert Martinez) is alive and Brother Joseph declaring that he killed Hera (Anna Luna).

The lives of Apollo’s loved ones will be at risk after Bro. Joseph promises to exact revenge for his wife’s death. Also revealed recently were the people behind the Altare high table – Circe (Ryza Cenon), Clio (Cay Kupers), Aion (Ian Ignacio), and Cian (Gian Magdangal).

After debuting in November 2022 with Cebu province as its main location, “The Iron Heart” hyped up its new chapter with scenes shot in Italy, a new main location in Iloilo City, and the introduction of new cast members led by JM de Guzman – who is garnering praise for his portrayal of a loathsome religious leader – along with Richard Quan, Carmen Soo, Alex Medina, Ruby Ruiz, Igi Boy Flores, Anna Luna, Ruben Soriquez, Krystal Brimner, Cris Villanueva, and Fabio Ide.

Series creative manager Jay Fernando said during a virtual conference that a lot of thought was put into their choice of cast members. “The existing and the new cast, we really have a long deliberation on which actors are perfect to play the role. We decide, we argue, because more than anything, we would want an exciting cast – that we get excited to see them together,” said Fernando, who noted how the show’s numerous extensions is a feat in today’s television landscape.

“This is an action series, so apart from they have to be good actors, we want energy. Each and every cast member brings an energy to the show. Sometimes that energy could work well with the other energies, sometimes it could be detrimental. Sometimes when you look at a show, you say ‘He is a good actor, but he is not the right actor for that role, or for that lineup.’ Here, everyone fits their roles to a tee.”

With Ian Loreños also joining Lester Pimentel Ong and Richard Ibasco Arellano as series directors, Fernando pointed out how his entry is particularly crucial in this chapter of the series as it delves more into the personal and relational stories of the characters.

“In the previous chapters, it was more physical, there were a lot of action sequences. But in terms of developing the relationships, this is when we are actually going into that mode more. We are slowly developing the characters, especially Apollo, in terms of his relationship with his family. The story is getting deeper, because after how many months of airing, as a long format, it’s inevitable that we tackle a more complicated view of right and wrong,” said Fernando.

“‘Iron Heart’ from the very beginning has been always about doing right and wrong for Apollo and for the other characters. Now it has become more complex because right and wrong is not as simple as Apollo once thought it was. We are so very thankful that Direk Ian, whose expertise is really drama and in relationships, is helping us in going through this portion of the story. It’s no longer just action. We’re delving into the ideological, philosophical, and dramatic.”

To prepare for Bro. Joseph, de Guzman said he researched real-life religious leaders online, noting how they talked, moved, and exuded charisma. Fernando and the directors took pains to explain his role’s backstory, where he’s coming from, and where he will be headed.

“They make sure that we understand the character, his nuances, how he moves and talks,” the actor said. “All that was left for me to do was listen to my directors.”

Richard Quan as Atlas of the Altare group stands out for his “outrageous” suits, which the veteran actor took as cue to likewise be extra with his nuances. He said one advantage of coming in the middle of an already-established series is how the directors already know what they want.

“All you have to do is listen to them and eventually, the character will be whole. It’s easier. Pagka nagsisimula kasi, mangangapa ka pa. This time around, you just have to listen and be open to suggestions,” said Quan.

Another reliable character actor featured in the new season is Alex Medina playing Koa, the best friend and right-hand man of de Guzman’s Bro. Joseph. He described his part as mysterious, enigmatic, and a man of few words.

“He can be very accurate with his movements, so mostly I was thinking more of a snake who slithers,” said Medina, who lauded “The Iron Heart” for its riveting story, fast pacing, and offbeat characters.

While he considers every day on set as memorable, the son of revered actor Pen Medina shared how it’s a particularly special one for him when his characterization finally hits its stride. “It usually takes a while,” he added. “Tom Hanks had said it takes a few days before you get the character, so it’s memorable for me when we achieve synergy on set.”

Ruby Ruiz, tasked to play one of Bro. Joseph’s loyal followers, made mention of the lead star’s warmth. She said, “It was my first time to see Richard Gutierrez. Of course you have a preconceived notion because of his looks. But all of that turned out to be wrong. He’s not suplado, he’s so friendly, so accommodating, considerate, and respectful. The existing cast already had a dynamic, right? But they didn’t make us feel like we were new.”

Also garnering praise from the new cast were the people behind the screen. Said Quan, “The big factor with the success of the show are our creatives. One thing I recognized on my first day, most of them I’ve worked with already, I know these are passionate people and they know what they are doing, from the directors, cinematographer, to the stunt coordinator.”

“One notable thing I noticed on my first day was their pride with their work. Alam nila tama ang ginagawa nila at meron silang binabago sa paraan ng pinapanood ng tao sa TV ngayon in terms of the action scenes.”

“The Iron Heart” airs 8:45 pm on A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, TV5, Kapamilya Online Live on Facebook and YouTube, Jeepney TV, and TFC. Maritess Lomosad & Lady Lara Clavano, CNU Interns