Kapamilya actor McCoy de Leon takes on a significant challenge as he portrays the role of martyred Claretian priest Fr. Rhoel Gallardo in the upcoming film ‘In Thy Name’, under Viva Films.
Fr. Gallardo was kidnapped and executed by the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan on May 3, 2000, after refusing to renounce his Catholic faith.
For McCoy, this project is a form of redemption, especially after playing the villainous David, the vengeful half-brother of Coco Martin’s character in the hit primetime series ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’ for two years.
“To be honest, pambawi talaga,” McCoy said during an interview. “Not just for the audience who only see my character in Batang Quiapo but also for myself. Playing David for two years, you tend to carry the character with you. When this project came, it helped me regain balance in my life.”
McCoy emphasized how meaningful this project was for him, describing it as a powerful story of faith and resilience.
“This film is about faith and God,” McCoy explained. “Ang sarap sa feeling na merong ganitong project for me. It was a refreshing experience that gave me a different perspective on life.”
However, portraying such a revered figure was not without its challenges. “Yes, nahirapan ako,” McCoy admitted. “Mentally, physically, and spiritually, it was difficult. Since Fr. Rhoel is a real person, there was an added pressure to accurately depict his life and faith. I couldn’t afford to make mistakes in my performance, especially in scenes showing religious practices like celebrating Mass.”
To fully immerse himself in the role, McCoy received extensive coaching under the direction of Rommel Galapia Ruiz and Ceasar Soriano, with the support of GreatCzar Media Productions.
“They guided me on how to perform Mass, embody a missionary’s life, and truly become Fr. Rhoel,” McCoy said. He acknowledged that stepping into such a role helped him step away from the intense negativity of his character in ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’.
“Kailangan ko rin itong project na ito,” McCoy added. “It balanced out the heaviness I had from playing David.”
‘In Thy Name’ also features a stellar cast, including JC de Vera, Mon Confiado, Jerome Ponce, Yves Flores, and Aya Fernandez. The film is set for nationwide release on March 5, 2025, just in time for the Lenten season.
With this project, McCoy hopes to bring awareness to the life and sacrifice of Fr. Gallardo, who remains an inspiration for many due to his unshakable faith and courage.
“Through this film, I hope audiences reflect on faith and ask themselves, ‘Where is God in my life?’ If they do, then the film has done its job,” McCoy concluded.
