Direk Cathy Garcia-Sampano on the supposed KathNiel reunion movie: 'I am not closing my doors doon sa project na yun'
Renowned film director Cathy Garcia-Sampana is not closing any doors on the possibility of a comeback movie with ex-couple Kathyrn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla.
Speaking to the media two weeks after the breakup announcement, the director is still hoping that the movie will push through but noted possible delays and re-arrangements.
"I am not closing my doors doon sa project na yun. Kasi syempre, who wouldn’t want a KathNiel movie? But maybe, pwedeng ma-delay, pwedeng mausog lang naman," she said during the Star Magic screening of the microfilm Toss Coin starring Alexa Ilacad and KD Estrada.
"At the end of the day, it's the call of the management and KathNiel themselves. Basta ako nandito lang ako if they need me to do the film, of course," Direk Cathy added.
It was in December 2022 that Direk Cathy confirmed a "very different" reunion movie was in the works for KathNiel after their solo movie projects. Kathryn starred in A Very Good Girl with Dolly de Leon last September, while Daniel is working on a movie with Zanjoe Marudo titled Nang Mapagod si Kamatayan.
According to Direk Cathy, the film project, which ABS-CBN Films has not officially announced, is planned to start production in the first quarter of 2023.
“Dapat naka-slate siya sa January, first quarter dapat, before I get married in April. January dapat gagawin ‘yung KathNiel. Ewan ko kung ano ang mangyayari,” she said during that time.
When asked about her reaction about the couple's breakup, Direk Cathy said, "Wala namang hindi malulungkot. Ganun naman ang relationship, I mean I do love stories. So I know may mga ganyang moments."
"We can only hope for the best. Basta ako, mahal ko si Kathryn. Mahal ko si Daniel. In fact, that’s what I messaged them. After what I heard, I messaged Kathryn and Daniel that I love you. Hindi naman sila sumagot. Alam kong natanggap nila, at alam kong medyo marami nang iniisip, so ayoko nang sumabay pa," she added.
Since 2013, Direk Cathy has helmed five significant projects starring Kathryn and Daniel, including television projects such as Got to Believe in 2013, Pangako Sa 'Yo in 2000, and La Luna Sangre in 2017 and movies such as She's Dating the Gangster and The Hows of Us in 2014 and 2018, respectively.
After being embroiled in breakup rumors, Kathryn broke her silence in a lengthy Instagram post detailing why they ended their 11-year relationship last Nov. 30, emphasizing that they ended their relationship "with respect."
Daniel, for his part, also penned a sweet message to Kathryn following the announcement of their break-up saying, "Bal, ang pagmamahal ko sa'yo ay walang hanggan at walang katapat."
The two debuted as a love team in 2011 for the teleserye Growing Up and have since starred in more shows and movies. They confirmed their relationship in 2018.