‘Game of Thrones’ Actor Iain Glen on Tackling Philippine History in New Film ‘Quezon’: It ‘Makes You Appreciate the Era That You’re in’

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In his recent acting endeavor, “Game of Thrones” alum Iain Glen will be bringing to life Major General Leonard Wood in the upcoming historical drama titled “Quezon,” directed by esteemed Filipino filmmaker Jerrold Tarog.

In an on-set interview with EbMaster (a film crew member), Glen spoke about his process for portraying Wood, a historical figure who held the position of governor-general of the Philippines from 1921 to 1927 and played a significant role in Manuel L. Quezon’s fight for Philippine independence from the U.S. The movie is a biographical film that highlights the life story of Quezon, a prominent Filipino lawyer and military leader who served as president of the Philippine Commonwealth from 1935 to 1944.

The lead character in “Quezon” is portrayed by Jericho Rosales, with supporting roles played by Mon Confiado, Benjamin Alves, Karylle Yuzon, Romnick Sarmenta, J.C. Santos, and Cris Villanueva.

Or

In the movie “Quezon”, Jericho Rosales plays the main character. The cast also includes Mon Confiado, Benjamin Alves, Karylle Yuzon, Romnick Sarmenta, J.C. Santos, and Cris Villanueva.

Or simply,

Jericho Rosales stars as the main character in “Quezon”, with Mon Confiado, Benjamin Alves, Karylle Yuzon, Romnick Sarmenta, J.C. Santos, and Cris Villanueva in supporting roles.

In a straightforward manner, Glen admits, “Upon receiving the script, I must confess I wasn’t well-versed in Philippine history or Major General Leonard Wood. Reading it as a script, I recognized its historical narrative, and I was captivated solely by the powerful words and the role itself.

The movie belongs to Tarog’s historical trilogy, which includes the highly praised movies “Goyo: The Boy General” and “Heneral Luna.” Glen mentioned that viewing these earlier films acted as a comprehensive lesson in Philippine history, preparing him for his acting part.

Glen mentions that he received research resources, including texts by Wood from that era, along with other works pertaining to that period, as the Philippines were striving for independence. He also delved into archived video and audio recordings of Wood, finding them “extremely helpful” in helping him gain a closer understanding of this historical figure.

Glen appreciates Tarog’s detail-oriented method when handling the content. “Our director is exceptionally meticulous in every task he takes on, and his research is extensive,” he notes. “He infuses the script with all that knowledge, making it readily available.

Speaking about how he represents a true historical character, Glen shares his approach: “After conducting your research, once you’re ready, once you believe you’ve discovered his voice… then you need to hold onto that, but trust it will stay with you. Afterward, simply perform the scene as it truly unfolds.

As a movie critic, I found myself deeply moved by this film. It serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles endured to achieve the democratic freedom we now enjoy in the Philippines. This film makes you pause and truly appreciate the era we’re living in today, reflecting on the battles fought to attain this liberty.

The performer found the quality of “Quezon” quite remarkable, commending aspects such as its authentic atmosphere, set design, costume choices, and filming locations.

“It really takes you on a wonderful journey,” he adds.

Glen finds it distinct working alongside Tarog, who boasts a vast knowledge of the subject matter, almost like an encyclopedia. He refers to Tarog as a true auteur. To him, directing for Tarog is akin to composing music, with each scene carefully arranged and structured, much like where the highs and lows, the quiet moments, and the emotional climax should occur.

Glen also highly commends his Filipino co-actors, describing them as “exceptionally skilled performers, extremely talented, perfectly fit for their roles.” Moreover, he expresses gratitude for the “spontaneous humor on set,” stating, “There’s a lot of laughter and entertainment. And I must say, I truly enjoyed it all.

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2025-04-02 19:16