Baron Geisler: Respect people on the autism spectrum
Studio Three Sixty is set to release a new action-drama film, "Delivery Rider" on Netflix starring an exceptional cast led by Baron Geisler, Euwenn Mikaell, and Jake Cuenca.
The acclaimed filmmaker behind the hit series Incognito, Director Lester Pimentel Ong transforms the movie from an ordinary delivery into an action-packed adventure featuring a man on the autism spectrum and an eight-year-old boy.
Leading the cast is Baron Geisler as “Santo,” a character trained in martial arts by his father and gifted with natural fighting skills.
Santo represents individuals with functional autism striving for independence and inclusion, as well as real-life fighters on the spectrum—like Nathias “Notorious” Frederick and Serene De Jesus—who continue to excel as MMA practitioners.
“We made this film with respect, care, and love. Hindi siya caricature or stereotype. It’s real, it’s grounded, and for us, it’s a love letter, a gift to parents, to people, and most especially sa mga under the spectrum," Baron said, during a media conference at Dean and Deluca in Morato, Quezon City recently.
Baron added, "This project is special to us. It's more than just an action-drama film. It's very personal because kami sa team ay may connection dito. Si Direk Lester has a son who is on the spectrum. Ako naman, ang aking daughter, my pride and joy, who is also under the spectrum. Euwenn also has a sister who is on the spectrum. So from the start, we know this is very special. We made this film with respect, care, and love. It's real and grounded. (It's very personal because we in the team have a connection here. Director Lester has a son who is on the spectrum. As for me, my daughter, my pride and joy, who is also on the spectrum.)"
The film, Baron expressed, serves as a heartfelt tribute to the bonds of family, the warmth of friendship, and the unique beauty found in those who exist on the spectrum.
"Hindi sila kailangan intindihin. Kailangan silang mahalin. (They don't need to be understood. They need to be loved.) They are gifted with light, joy, and peace in this world. They deserve respect," the actor said.
Baron stated that he accepted the role immediately when offered by Direk Lester. He trained with Lance Pimentel for one year for the action scenes in the film. "I trained with Lester three to four hours a day for almost a year. Ang dami kong natutunan sa mga stunts. Nagagamit ko siya ngayon sa mga project ko. (I learned a lot from the stunts. I can now use him in my projects.) So I learned new skills because of them."
He talked about the film representing people on the spectrum. More about his character, Baron said “Ang natutunan ko naman sa character ko, kay Santo—kahit punong-puno ng galit ang mundo, you can still choose to be kind, and that for me is real strength, lalo na sa panahon ngayon. (What I learned from my character, from Santo—even when the world is full of anger, you can still choose to be kind, and that for me is real strength, especially in this day and age.)"
Despite his abilities, Santo refuses to resort to violence, but this conviction is put to the test when he becomes entangled with criminal elements during a delivery.
Playing the eight-year-old boy whom Santo treats as his son—and who becomes caught in the dangerous events surrounding him—is MMFF 2023 Best Child Actor Euwenn Mikaell.
Jake also brings life to an essential character in the film as “Roden,” the son of a crime boss and heir to their syndicate. Having grown up in a world of crime, Roden struggles to connect with his family, reflecting the cycle of pain and detachment shaped by his upbringing.
“When they offered this to me, of course, I grabbed the opportunity because I’m working with such an amazing actor, Baron Geisler, but also I’m working with one of my favorite directors of all time, Direk Lester," Jake said.
Jake added, “Nung natapos namin (filming), mutual respect was given. It’s almost like when you talk about fighting, you share something intimate inside of that ring, and I feel like me and Baron shared something intimate inside of this movie.”
Director Lester stated that the team consulted professionals and experts to ensure that the concept of the autism spectrum was addressed with care.
"My wife and I have been taking care of my son, so marami kaming exposure sa mga special child. Kahit sa mga doctor and experts so nakipagtulungan kami sa kanila para mabuo ng accurate yung character. (My wife and I have been taking care of my son, so we have a lot of exposure to special children. Even to doctors and experts, so we collaborated with them to develop the character accurately)," Lester said.
The film also features Jennica Garcia, Malou de Guzman, Soliman Cruz, Joem Bascon, Richard Quan, and JC Alcantara.
The film is shaping up to be a must-watch, blending gripping drama, intense action, and plot twists. At its core, it tells the story of an innocent man forced to confront violence and discover the strength to fight for himself and the people he loves.
Delivery Rider was a 2024 grantee of the CreatePHFilms Funding Program under the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP)— an initiative that supports Filipino filmmakers through the entire process of filmmaking.
The film is set to be released on Netflix Asia Pacific Region and the Middle East on Oct. 23, 2025.