Hammer of power
It’s his first time to play superhero and Alden Richards is charged to electrify local audiences with a performance bound to be a hit.
It’s his first time to play superhero and Alden Richards is charged to electrify local audiences with a performance bound to be a hit.
Who wouldn’t want a superhero in our midst? In the case of “Victor Magtanggol” starring Alden Richards, it took seven years before he could wield that hammer in order to save the world.
The series that starts airing tonight on GMA-7 is about a hardworking young man who’s very caring for his loved ones. The story opens just when he is about to go abroad to look for his mom.
Inspired by the Norse Mythology, the drama series also features John Estrada as Loki, the god of deception; Andrea Torres as Sif, the last wife of Thor; Pancho Magno as Modi, Thor’s son; and Miguel Faustman as Magni/Magnus, the other son of Thor. In a special participation is Conan Stevens as Thor, the god of thunder and owner of the powerful hammer, Mjölnir.
Alden noted that aside from reviving the superhero theme in the local television landscape, they aim to showcase how real-life heroes as Overseas Filipino Workers valiantly sacrifice for the sake of giving their families better lives through the remittances they send back home.
“It will showcase the pain and hardship OFWs go through abroad and the big role they play in Philippine economy,” he said.
The actor shared that even he, himself, could relate to the story of OFWs, having been to several countries before.
“I met different kinds of Filipinos in every continent that I’ve been. They’re all different but we also have the same sentiments that family is number one priority on the list. Most of them or all of them would set aside their emotions, their longing to be home just to be able to sustain the life of their family even if it means being away. It’s really a struggle,” he shared. On the series, Alden’s character works as maintenance guy in a museum. His journey as superhero begins when he met a curator of a museum who happens to be part of Norse mythology which is Asgard. The latter bestows a magical compass to Victor, to guide him on his trip to look for the magical gloves of Thor which is called Járngreipr. “It’s like he (Victor) is a chosen one to be the next wielder of Mjölnir, the hammer of Thor. When he found it, he became the superhero Hammer Man whose power is lightning and thunder. The journey starts from there,” he revealed. He hopes more local audiences would support more Filipino creations than those that come from abroad. They practice what they preach. Alden said all the costumes they wear on the show are Filipino-made.
More on the show
How different is the superhero from its alter ego? Actually, they have the same values, point of view, and priorities. It’s just that he has to keep the identity of Hammer Man in disguise unless he puts the lives of his loved ones in danger.
The actor added Victor looks strong outside but he really has a soft spot for people who need help.
To play the character well, Alden trained in parkour and martial arts because he doesn’t want to use a double o stuntman if he can help it.
“That’s how I put my heart in this project,” he noted. “I want everything to be done by me. I would like to experience it myself so I could feel the emotion of the character when I’m doing the scenes.”
Alden has to maintain his current weight because the size of his costume is fixed. Trivia: It takes him about 10 minutes to suit up.
Some of the scenes were shot in Tokyo and Toyama, Japan. They shot in summer though they were able to find a snowy location for their purpose.
Co-stars
Alden said this time, he has no leading lady. Recall that the actor comes fresh from the success of a love team with Maine Mendoza.
On “Victor Magtanggol,” his character is set to have a special relationship with the characters played by Andrea, Reese Tuazon, and Janine Gutierrez.
Also in the cast are Coney Reyes, Eric Quizon, Freddie Webb, Maritoni Fernandez, and Kristoffer Martin.
Alden said he enjoys working with his co-actors who are all “professionals.”
“I couldn’t ask for a better cast and crew and staff. Everyone is so into the project, everyone is putting a lot of effort into it that it’s a shame if you don’t do your part. You feel that somehow you need to push yourself an extra mile to be able to deliver,” he said.
The theme song “Superhero Mo” is performed by Ex Battalion featuring Alden.
I couldn’t ask for a better cast and crew and staff. Everyone is so into the project, everyone is putting a lot of effort into it that it’s a shame if you don’t do your part.