Alex Diaz can't wait to work with 'Avatar' star in new movie


Actor and social media influencer Alex Diaz said he is excited to work with Hollywood star Sam Worthington in the new movie called "CounterPlay," which will be shot in parts of the Philippines in August.

Alex Diaz. (Photo by Robert Requintina) Alex Diaz. (Photo by Robert Requintina)

"I am big fan of 'Avatar.' When I saw his (Sam’s) picture, ang sabi ko sa kanila 'puwede naman akong anak niya sa movie (I told them, I can be his son in the movie). I am just thankful for this opportunity," Diaz said in an exclusive interview at Auction For A Cause featuring the work of Annette Chambers, held at the Top of the Alpha in Makati City Wednesday night.

Diaz said: "The script is amazing. I am looking forward to appearing in this movie. This movie is co-written and produced by my father (producer Michael McDermott). It's under our production outfit. He's a movie buff. So he started this company and put this company together. No to mention I'm talented - hahaha - I am very much deserving of the role - hahaha!"

After he finished shoots for his "I Want" series, Diaz said he will focus on preparing for "CounterPlay."

"I am busy with my 'I Want' series right now. After that, I need to be skinny in this movie. I'm buff, as you can see. And I need to grow my hair out. I also need to learn the Australian ," Diaz said.

Diaz, 25, will be playing James Alexander, who is wrongfully accused of smuggling drugs in the Philippines. "My dad doesn't want big explosions in this movie. Gusto niya 'yung (He wants the) suspense or thriller type."

The former Star Magic talent said that he wants to shine this time by appearing in serious roles.

In New York, Diaz recalled he auditioned for the critically-acclaimed play "Hamilton" and got a call back. "I was there for three days. Gusto ko lang masabi talaga sa sarili ko na nagawa ko 'yun." (I just really wanted to tell myself that I did it.)

Diaz said that he never experienced discrimination during auditions abroad. "I think they were looking for ambiguous Asian actors these days. Dati (Before it was) black or Spanish. Now it's Asians."

Asked about his talent fee for the film, Diaz said: "I told my father dapat malaki ang talent fee ko! Joke! Hahaha!"

Diaz described his dad as someone who is strict when it comes to work. "My dad told me to do my part well in this movie. He is a busy businessman. There are four or five projects lined up under my dad's production and sana kasama ako sa lahat ng projects na ‘yun (I hope I’m in all of them)."

"CounterPlay" will be produced by Scott Rosenfelt and directed by Pedring Lopez.