Kapuso Primetime Princess Barbie Forteza is stepping into the spotlight with her first lead role in a chilling psychological horror film "P77" under GMA Pictures.

In this exciting new project, Barbie will deliver a performance that will both shock and captivate audiences. The story will pull them in and keep them on the edge of their seats. The actress was grateful after she was handpicked for the horror flick.

"I am fully aware that I was handpicked for the role, and I'm grateful. Naka-ilang usap kami kasi yung schedule nito sabay ng Pulang Araw. Last year pa namin ginawa ang 'P77.' Tight lang talaga ang schedule. (We talked a bit about the schedule because it coincides with Pulang Araw. We did 'P77' last year. The schedule was tight.) So I said, 'Yes!' So thankful for this project. It's a blessing to have this kind of pressure because great things are expected of you," said Barbie during a media conference in Quezon City on July 22.

"P77" Director Derick Cabrido confirmed what Barbie shared during the press conference. "While the movie was being conceptualized, siya na talaga yung nasa isip namin. (She's the one we're thinking of.)"

Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group at GMA Network, stated that GMA Pictures has not produced a horror film in quite some time.

"Matagal ng hindi gumagawa ang GMA Pictures sa horror genre. Ito yung comeback namin sa horror kaya pinaghandaan namin ito, Ibang klaseng horror ito na tamang tama naman sa panahon. (GMA Pictures hasn't worked in the horror genre for a long time. This is our comeback in horror, so we prepared for it. It's a different kind of horror that's right for the times)," said the GMA official during the press conference.

Barbie is joined by a formidable ensemble, including “Firefly” child star and award-winning child actor Euwenn Mikaell, veteran actors Jackie Lou Blanco, Carlos Siguion-Reyna, Gina Pareño, Rosanna Roces, as well as Chrome Cosio and JC Alcantara.

“P77” delves into the terrifying realm where the worst nightmares happen wide awake.

The story revolves around Luna (Barbie), a cruise ship chambermaid who has to quit her job to attend to her sick brother (Euwenn). While doing so, she discovers that her mother (Rosanna) has gone missing and her brother’s condition is getting progressively worse. The siblings desperately sneak into an empty condo unit but soon discover that Penthouse 77 is not what it seems.

Offering unique insights, the film's lead star explained how “P77” distinguishes itself within the horror genre.

“Napaka-grounded ng story namin – it revolves around family. It will also delicately delve into PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Aside from the jumpscare, this is also an awareness para mas lumawak ang ating intindi sa mga taong may PTSD,” shared Barbie.

The film is based on a chilling story crafted by “Green Bones” creators Anj Atienza and Kristian Julao, with the screenplay penned by award-winning writer Enrico Santos. Guiding this terrifying vision is Derick Cabrido, the new generation thrillmaker known for the successful horror flicks he has directed, including the 2023 thriller film “Mallari.”

GMA Pictures has a storied history of producing quality horror films, with titles like “The Road,” “Ouija,” “Basement,” and “Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles” solidifying its reputation in the genre. “P77” aims to continue this legacy, offering a unique and unforgettable horror event that nobody should miss.

Barbie said the team never encountered any ghostly experience when they shot the movie. But she recalled an unusual experience when she had a sleep paralysis.

"I remember binangungot ako before, during the shoot of 'I Will Always Love You.' Nagkaroon ako ng sleep paralysis na parang may nakapatong sa akin na black silhouette ng babae na curly ang hair and then sinasakal ako. Hindi ako makagalaw. (I had sleep paralysis where it felt like a black silhouette of a woman with curly hair was sitting on top of me and then choking me. I couldn't move)," she recalled.

On her greatest fear, Barbie answered: "Seriously, I am afraid of losing a loved one. I think it goes for everyone. You can never be ready to lose a loved one. It's inevitable and kailangan mo talagang pagdaanan. It's the most painful thing you could experience in life."

Barbie said she's also afraid of clowns and rag dolls. "When I was younger, I was always eager to visit horror houses. Gusto yung mga nangugulat at nanghahabol (I want to be surprised and chased.)"

She said the film was not shot in a penthouse because she is afraid of heights. This fear makes her uncomfortable in high places.

"Takot ako sa heights, so I don't live in a penthouse or condo. Gusto ko bahay lang. Mabilis kasi ako mag-isip. Wala pa nga pero may iniisip na ako. (I'm afraid of heights, so I don't live in a penthouse or condo. I want a house. I'm a quick thinker)," the actress added.

Barbie expressed her enjoyment of the movie and encouraged everyone to watch "P77" on the big screen.

"Horror films are best seen in theaters because you get to share the experience with the crowd. Ang saya di ba lalo kasama ang barkada nagbibiruan at may takutan. So, for me, horror is the perfect genre for that. Big horror fan talaga ako. As in wala pang nagpapakita, napapasigaw na ako. (Horror films are best seen in theaters because you get to share the experience with the crowd. Isn't it fun when the gang is joking and having a good time? So, for me, horror is the perfect genre for that. I'm a big fan of horror. Even if there aren't any ghosts on the screen, I'm already screaming sometimes.)"