New Delhi: I Am Not Big Bird marks the triumphant return to cinematic theatres of Enrique Gil, a leading man from the Philippines who has been absent from the industry for some time.
Written by Lilit Reyes and Joma Libayen, this Philippine comedy film is directed by Victor Villanueva. In the film, we follow a guy whose fiancée rejected his engagement. He then intends to start over in Thailand, but upon his arrival with his pals, everyone mistakes him for a famous porn star.
On 14 February 2024, the film was released in theatres in the Philippines, marking Enrique Gil’s return after a three-year absence. Both audiences and reviewers gave the film good reviews, and it made more than ₱10 million throughout the country.
This film will be available to watch on Netflix starting May 21. Get ready to laugh, explore the concept of mistaken identities, and follow a man’s changing journey as he finds his place in a world of unexpected experiences.
SAWADEE-🐓
Victor Villanueva’s ‘I Am Not Big Bird’ is now streaming on Netflix!
Starring Enrique Gil, Nikko Natividad, Red Ollero, and Pepe Herrera, it follows three best friends who get into raunchy trouble while on vacation in Thailand. pic.twitter.com/8x0mVRtiSY
— SINEGANG.ph (@sinegangdotph) May 21, 2024
Plot
Luis Carpio, a virgin in his thirties, embarks on a group vacation to Thailand after his fiancée rejects his marriage proposal. After he gets there with his friends, Luis is mistaken for the Big Bird, a renowned Thai porn actor, and an unusual series of events occurs. Luis becomes entangled in Big Bird’s shady dealings after failing to persuade others of the confusion.
According to critics, the film is both a hilariously irreverent comedy and a delayed coming-of-age drama about a youngster who is finally coming into his own. A beautiful voyage with heart, humour, and a hint of nostalgia awaits.
When and Where to Watch?
The initial plan was for I Am Not Big Bird to premiere in 2023 so it could be included in the schedule of the Metro Manila Film Festival. Nevertheless, February 14, 2024, was the date of the film’s theatrical premiere.
The film will be now available on Netflix beginning today, May 21, 2024.
The BIRDkada is back!! 🤪
No more “sana all nakanood” cause I Am Not Big Bird is now streaming on Netflix!
BIG BIRD LANDS ON NETFLIX#IAmNotBigBirdOnNetflix #IAmNotBigBird #EnriqueGil pic.twitter.com/kjF3EbGan1
— ANIMA Studios (@animastudiosph) May 21, 2024
Cast and Crew
Luis Carpio, played by Enrique Gil, is the film’s protagonist. Enrique Gil wanted to do something innovative for his return film, moving away from his past performances in romantic dramas.
Pepe Herrera, Nikko Natividad, Ashley Rivera, Top Sahatchai Chumrum, and others are part of the supporting cast.
Written by Lilit Reyes and Joma Labayen, the film is directed by Victor Villanueva. Released by Star Cinema and co-produced by Anima Studios, Black Sheep Productions, and Immerse Entertainment, this film represents Enrique Gil’s production debut in the film industry.
