For Wilbert Ross, stepping into Pee Mak comes with the pressure of following a role made famous by one of Thailand’s biggest stars. Now, the actor who first played Mak has given the Philippine adaptation his own blessing.

Mario Maurer sent a video message to Viva Films congratulating Ross and the entire cast of the Filipino version, which hits Philippine cinemas on October 14. “Mabuhay Philippines from Mario Maurer!” he said, before thanking Filipino audiences for loving the original Pee Mak.

“I want to congratulate Wilbert Ross and the whole cast of the Philippine version of Pee Mak,” Maurer continued. “I know guys that you will do it great.”

Maurer also invited Filipino audiences to catch the new adaptation in cinemas, adding, “I’m sure guys you’re gonna have a great time there. See you, mahal ko kayo!”

The connection goes back to Ross’ own history with Maurer’s films. He recalled watching Crazy Little Thing Called Love and Pee Mak while he was still in high school, years before he knew he would eventually play Mak himself.

That coincidence has followed the Filipino actor throughout the project. Ross previously shared that “Pee Mak” had actually been a nickname people called him from high school through college. When Maurer’s films became popular, friends associated Ross with the characters Shone and later Pee Mak because of his resemblance to the Thai star.

The Philippine adaptation pairs Ross with Bea Binene as Pee-Nang, marking their first movie together after working on Golden Scenery of Tomorrow and Love U Lots. Directed by Victor Villanueva, the film also stars Vandolph Quizon, TJ Valderama, Jairus Aquino, and Cup of Joe vocalist Gian Bernardino.

Ross has previously acknowledged the expectations surrounding the remake, given how successful Maurer’s original Pee Mak was. At the film’s story conference, he said there is “definitely” pressure because the original had already reached a particular level, but emphasized the cast’s intention to bring their own flavor to the story. 

Pee Mak opens in Philippine cinemas on October 14, 2026.