From being an ‘extra’ to one of the most reliable character actors on Philippine television and movies, Nico Antonio now takes Filipino talent to the world stage as he joins the stellar cast of Korean action series “Big Bet” (released as “Casino” in Korea).
Nico joins veteran Korean actor Choi Min Sik (“Old Boy), Son Suk-ku (“The Outlaws 2”), Lee Dong-hwi (“The Extreme Job”), Heo Sung-tae (“Squid Game”) and Kim Joo-ryung (“Squid Game”) in this Disney+ original series about casino mogul Cha Mu-Sik (Min Sik), whose life turns upside down after being involved in a murder case.
“I play here the role of Mark Flores, a CIDG operative assigned to investigate the killing of Korean citizens in the Philippines,” shared Nico.
Back in January 2022, Nico blindly auditioned for a role for an undisclosed Korean production.
“Wala akong idea kung ano yung pinag-aauditionan ko until I had a callback and yun na, no other than director Kang Yoon-sung met with me and explained to me the role,” recounted Nico. “Doon ko na narealize na importante pala yung role na inaudition ko.”
Nico was the first Filipino actor to be called back and eventually casted by Yoon-sung.
“I saw Nico’s natural acting. I have seen some of Nico’s acting footage and I believe he knows what good acting is about. He knows it,” said Yoon-sung.
In an interview, Yoon-sung revealed that the story of “Big Bet” is inspired by a real Casino owner in the Philippines whom he happens to know. After meeting people who knew the casino owner, Kang decided to write the story and turn it into a drama series.
“I always wanted to work on a drama series, featuring a long story. And I thought delivering ‘Big Bet’ with two different parts was an appropriate choice for the viewers to enjoy the series,” Kang said.
When asked about his experience, Nico described it as challenging yet fulfilling especially if you are a Filipino actor working amongst very professional actors and a very experienced crew.
“You have to be on your toes always.The actors I worked with, lahat sila ready pagdating sa set.”
Meanwhile, when it comes to working with Min Sik whom he has so much respect for, Nico said “It was so light (with Min Sik). You will really feel he is in character. Kaya dapat attentive ka.”
Overall, Nico is proud not just of his performance but for all fellow Filipino actors who were part of the cast of “Big Bet.”
“Hindi naman tayo napahiya. Naitayo naman natin ang bandera ng Pilipinas,” he quipped.
Even director Yoon-sung has nothing but good words for all Filipino actors in the cast, especially Nico.
“I’m very happy to work with Filipino actors and staff for three months. I couldn’t make this series without their dedication,” he shared. “(Nico) definitely did well. I could imagine who Mark was when Nico first played his role in shooting. He is an amazing actor.”
“Big Bet” is Nico’s biggest acting break yet after 19 years of being in the industry.
He first started out as a talent in “Panday,” topbilled by Jericho Rosales, and worked his way up by playing different roles on television and on both mainstream and independent films. One of his most memorable performances was his role as Tolayts in the top rating ABS-CBN drama series “On the Wings of Love.”
Little did many people know that Nico took up a degree in law at the San Beda College and San Sebastian College after his undergraduate studies at the Ateneo De Manila University where he finished his AB European Studies.
“I was on a crossroad once on whether to pursue acting or law but my heart is really passionate about acting,” Nico said.
Obviously, Nico made the right decision because “Big Bet” is only the first of three international projects he worked on, which will soon be streamed on three different giant streaming platforms.
“Big Bet” starts streaming Dec. 21 on Disney+.
