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Director Dominic Zapata revealed that multi‑awarded Kapuso actor‑host Dingdong Dantes played a key role in convincing his wife, Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera, to accept her latest project, Behind Closed Doors.

In an exclusive interview with 24 Oras during the Prime Video Philippines launch for its new slate of shows and films, Direk Dom shared that he personally sought Dingdong's help in persuading Marian to take on the role.

Believing strongly in the material, the director said he felt the project would be a perfect fit for the actress.

“Dong [Dingdong], kumbinsihin mo si Yan na gawin 'yung proyekto na 'to, napaka ganda,” Direk Dom recalled telling the Kapuso star.

He added that he was relieved when Marian eventually agreed to take on the role.

“Ayun, buti pumayag si Yan [Marian],” he said.

According to Direk Dom, Behind Closed Doors marks a significant departure from Marian's previous roles, pushing the actress well beyond her comfort zone with a provocative and unconventional character.

“Very offbeat for her as Marian dahil mistress siya rito—and hindi lang basta mistress; mistress ng presidente ng Pilipinas,” he explained.

Marian also opened up about the project in a separate interview, sharing that the role is unlike anything she has portrayed before. In the series, she takes on the challenging duality of a woman entangled in power and politics while also portraying a journalist.

“Ang gandang pasukin ang mundong hindi ko pa ginagawa,” Marian said.

She further revealed that extensive preparation was required, particularly for her role as a journalist.

“Marami akong dapat pag‑aralan kasi first time kong gaganap bilang isang journalist. So 'yung mga malalapit sa buhay ko na journalists, kailangan ko kayong i‑observe at pag‑aralan kung paano ba talaga para makahubog ako ng character,” she shared.

The Kapuso actress expressed her excitement over the project, noting that one of its strengths lies in its deeply layered characters.

“Ang ganda nung project. Sabi ko nga, hindi lang 'yung character ko—parang halos lahat ng character may puso at may malalim na koneksyon sa bawat isa,” Marian said.

Also present at the Prime Video Philippines launch was GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon‑Valdes, who voiced her support for Marian's latest venture.

“Saka na i‑re‑reveal 'yung plot and everything, pero it's a very exciting concept,” she said.

Behind Closed Doors also feature Dingdong Dantes and Never Say Die actress Jillian Ward. The series is part of Prime Video's expanding Philippine lineup, which also includes the highly anticipated mother‑daughter collaboration between Sharon Cuneta and Barbie Forteza in Honor Thy Mother.

Related Gallery: Marian Rivera's most memorable roles