Versatile Kapuso leading man Dennis Trillo has been in the business of portraying good guy roles for more than 20 years - a persistent act he has perfected and given recognition for. Playing a villainous Japanese soldier in the upcoming historical drama series “Pulang Araw” definitely poses a challenge, but the multi-awarded actor is more than ready for it.

In an interview with GMA Integrated News, Trillo said he has been waiting for this moment to step into an antagonist’s shoes, be on the other side of a character’s moral spectrum.

“Matagal ko na rin itong iniintay eh, matagal ko na hinintay yung ganitong klaseng project at ganito kabigat na character,” said the Kapuso actor.

To say that Dennis had an eventful 2023 would be an understatement. He top-billed two GMA Prime series (“Maria Clara and Ibarra,” February 2023; “Love Before Sunrise,” December 2023) and played the wise Dr. Ned Armstrong in the science-fantasy adaptation series, “Voltes V: Legacy” (September).

The 42-year-old actor is aware of the pressure that comes with playing his first ever major villain role, but it is precisely that kind of novelty that excites him.

“Ngayon, as a kontrabida, may konting pressure, pero mas andun ako sa importansya ng pagkakaroon ng challenge bilang artist at artista. Sa dami ng nagawa ko, kailangan ko ng isang mabigat na role na mag-iisip ako, pag-iisipan ko yung bawat kilos, bawat galaw, bawat dialogue ulit, excited ako sa ganon,” explained the Asian TV Awards awardee.

“Sa totoo lang hindi ako kinakabahan sa pagsasalita niya ng Nihongo o Japanese (language), mas kinakabahan ako dun sa pag nag-tatagalog siya kasi baka maging nakakatawa,” he added.

Asked who he is excited to throw lines with, Trillo made mention of the show’s star-studded main cast.

“Excited ako magkaroon kami ng eksena ni Alden (Richards), siya yung di ko pa talaga nakakaeskesena sa mga ganitong drama. Paghahandaan ko yung eksena na yun. Excited ako mag reunite kay David (Licauco) at Barbie (Forteza), at kay Sanya (Lopez) na nakatrabaho ko na dati,” he said.

Directed by Dominic Zapanta and written by Suzette Doctolero, the highly anticipated war period-drama series is set against the backdrop of World War II and particularly chronicles the intertwined lives of four characters during the Japanese occupation.