Horror-drama ‘Poon’ survives three turbulent years to reach cinemas

After devastating losses and endless delays, the cast and crew finally honor two acting icons.

It took three years—and the heartbreaking deaths of two of its lead stars—before “Poon” could finally make its way to the big screen.

Producer Dennis Evangelista has opened up about the difficult journey behind the Adolfo Alix Jr. horror-drama, revealing how the production struggled to continue following the deaths of screen legends Ronaldo Valdez and Jaclyn Jose while the film was still unfinished.

“Poon is not an old film. It simply took a long time to make and complete because of the many challenges and trials we had to overcome along the way,” Evangelista said.

The project began taking shape in March 2023, when its sprawling cast gathered for a story conference at an old house along Balete Drive.

Filming started during Holy Week that year, with the production capturing religious activities in San Miguel, Bulacan. The actors officially began shooting on April 16, 2023.

But coordinating the schedules of an ensemble that included Gina Pareño, Valdez, Jose, Janice de Belen, Lotlot de Leon, Ara Mina, Allen Dizon, JC de Vera, Bembol Roco, Martin del Rosario, Kelvin Miranda, Althea Ablan, Joao Constancia and Will Ashley, among others, quickly became a major challenge.

Severe storms and the continuing struggle to finance the big-budget production further slowed filming.

Then tragedy struck.

Valdez died in December 2023, shocking the entire production. Fortunately, the veteran actor had already completed all his scenes for “Poon.”

“It was difficult for us to even think about moving forward with the film after his tragic death, especially under such painful circumstances,” Evangelista recalled.

Production eventually resumed in the first quarter of 2024. But before the filmmakers could finish the movie, they suffered another devastating loss: Jose died in March.

This time, the problem was even more complicated. Jose still had scenes left to shoot, and her character played an important role in the story.

“We still had a few shooting days left involving some scenes with her,” Evangelista said. “This was where the production came to a long halt as we tried to figure out how to complete the film without Ms. Jose, whose character was an important part of the story.”

The production remained stalled for an extended period as the filmmakers searched for a way forward.

“Poon” finally resumed filming in the latter part of 2025. An all-star shooting day was mounted on Sept. 6 as the filmmakers found a way to complete the material originally intended for Jose.

Principal photography officially ended on Sept. 14 with Ashley, who had been unavailable for the earlier ensemble shoot.

Post-production was finally completed in February 2026—nearly three years after the project began.

Written by Jerry B. Grácio and produced by Banana Entertainment and C-Frame Production, “Poon” eventually reached the international stage, holding its world premiere at the Moscow International Film Festival in April.

But even after completing the movie, another challenge remained: finding a Philippine theatrical playdate.

The producers eventually secured a Sept. 9 release in selected cinemas nationwide, finally bringing to audiences a film that survived years of delays, financial difficulties and the deaths of two of its most important stars.

For Evangelista, simply finishing “Poon” has become an achievement in itself.

“What matters most is that we finished it. We overcame countless difficulties, setbacks, and heartbreaking moments,” he said.

“And what makes us happiest and proudest of all is the final result. We are proud of the film we made. Poon is a beautiful film, and it will finally be shown in selected cinemas nationwide.”

READ: