Julia Barretto has taken over the role of Bea Alonzo in the upcoming local remake of the South Korean film "A Moment to Remember," which also stars Alden Richards.
Viva, Inc. President and CEO Vincent del Rosario III confirmed this during an interview with other entertainment media on Friday.
The film, titled "Special Memory," will be directed by Nuel Naval and begin production by the end of July or August, according to del Rosario.
Alonzo and Richards were set to co-star in the film until the actress' camp claimed in early May that she had opted to "respectfully beg off" owing to a crowded schedule.
Del Rosario stated that Barretto, who was once involved in a dispute with Alonzo, is also aware that the project was initially offered to the latter.
The 26-year-old actress is currently in a relationship with Alonzo's ex-lover, Gerald Anderson.
Barretto and Anderson revealed their relationship in March 2021, more than a year after first being romantically linked. Meanwhile, Alonzo has started dating Dominic Roque.
