Aga Muhlach had one actress in mind when asked who he wanted as his leading lady in the upcoming film “2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7”—Jodi Sta. Maria.
During the movie’s story conference on September 11, Aga revealed that he had long hoped to work with Jodi, saying their collaboration simply had not happened before.
“Matagal ko na rin siyang gustong makasama talaga and nasabi ko nga na hindi lang nagkakataon,” Aga said.
When the opportunity for the project came, Aga said he immediately knew who he wanted for the role.
“I wanted her. We needed her,” he said, confirming that he personally advocated for Jodi’s casting.
Aga did not disclose the specific reason he wanted Jodi for the part but teased that audiences would understand his choice once they see the movie.
“Siguro kapag napanood niyo na ang pelikula, doon ninyo makikita kung bakit siya,” he said.
While Aga may have wanted Jodi for the role, the actress still had the final say. For Jodi, however, turning down the project was difficult after reading the script.
“How do you say no to this?” Jodi said.
“As soon as nabasa ko yung script, umoo ako.”
Jodi also shared that she had already finished the amount of work she had planned for the year when the script reached her. Still, she considered the film a fitting project to close out the year.
“Honestly, quota na ako with work for the year, pero sabi ko this would be a good way to end the year,” she said.
“Besides, ang ganda ng cast din talaga.”
The movie marks the first on-screen pairing of Aga and Jodi.
“2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7” follows the success of VIVA Films’ adaptation of the South Korean movie “Miracle in Cell No. 7,” which became one of the biggest box-office hits of the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival. The film surpassed several festival favorites and generated strong anticipation for its follow-up, which serves as a prequel.
Jodi admitted that the film comes with expectations, but said the cast can only control the quality of their performances and not the movie’s eventual earnings.
“Kahit ano naman gawin nating proyekto, parating may pressure pero hindi ka naman dapat magpadala sa pressure because at the end of the day you can only do so much as an actor,” she said.
“Siyempre pagbubutihan mo, ibibigay mo ang lahat, pero yung box office results kasi, it’s not in your hands, it’s up to the people.”
Aga likewise said the team is not approaching the project with the goal of matching the commercial performance of the original film.
“We’re not expecting anything. Like I said, nag-submit lang kami ng script sa MMFF. E, tinanggap,” he said.
“So, sa akin, I think we have something good in our hands. And that’s all. Para sa akin, enough na yun. Kung kumita, di mas maganda di ba?”
Directed by Nuel Naval and written by Mel Mendoza-del Rosario, “2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7” also stars Joel Torre, Mon Confiado, Jansen Magpusao and Xia Vigor, who returns as Yesha.
The film is an official entry of VIVA Films and Studio VIVA to the 2026 Metro Manila Film Festival, which is scheduled to open on December 25.