Vic Sotto and Vice Ganda Photo from Facebook/@ vicegandaofficialph
“The Greatest Showdown,” directed by Jun Robles Lana, marks the first feature-film collaboration between two mainstays of competing noontime programs.
MANILA — Vic Sotto and Vice Ganda will bring their first movie together to the 2026 Metro Manila Film Festival after “The Greatest Showdown” was named among the first four official entries in the festival’s 52nd edition.
The selection was announced July 7 at GH Mall in San Juan, two days after the stars formally unveiled the project at Gateway Mall 2 in Quezon City.
Jun Robles Lana will direct the film, a joint production of ABS-CBN Studios, Star Cinema, The IdeaFirst Company, M-Zet Productions and APT Entertainment. Its story, supporting cast and production schedule have not been disclosed.
The project brings together two performers long associated with competing noontime programs. Sotto is one of the principal hosts of “Eat Bulaga,” while Vice is a longtime host of “It’s Showtime.”
Their programs compete for viewers in the same time period, but Sotto said the arrangement should not be mistaken for a personal rivalry. He described the two as entertainers whose shows happened to air opposite each other.
The collaboration had been under discussion since last year, according to Sotto. Vice said both performers agreed to the project when the possibility was raised.
At the MMFF announcement, each star greeted the audience associated with the other’s program, underscoring the cooperative tone surrounding the film. They also expressed openness to appearing on each other’s noontime shows while promoting the movie, although no guest appearances have been formally scheduled.
Lana previously directed Vice in “And the Breadwinner Is…” and “Call Me Mother.” The new project will be his first feature film directing Sotto and Vice as co-stars.
“The Greatest Showdown” joins “2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7,” “Amir” and “Haunted Carnival” in the festival’s initial lineup. Four additional entries are expected to complete the eight-film field.
The MMFF is scheduled to open on Christmas Day. Further details about “The Greatest Showdown,” including its characters and additional cast members, are expected as production moves forward.
