Oscar Winner Won’t Portray Pacquiao, Feels Role Should Be Played By Filipino

There are plans to produce another Manny Pacquiao movie with the name of Oscar-winner Rami Malek mentioned as the one possibly in the lead role.

However, it appears that all of that was nothing more but hearsay with the 39-year-old actor setting the records straight.

“I can absolutely deny that. That’s fascinating. No, I will definitely not be playing Manny Pacquiao,” Malek said to Rappler.

The “Bohemian Rhapsody” star also added that it was the first time he had heard about it. However, he did make a good suggestion and said that the role would be best portrayed by someone of Filipino origin.

“For someone of Filipino origin, it would be nice to see that person being played by somebody from that country,” Malek explained.

The only thing confirmed for now is that Leonard DiCaprio will take on the role of Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach. It is possible that plans for the Pacquiao movie have not gotten much mileage.

It was in December when word got out that there were offers to make a movie about the Filipino boxing icon.

No less than Pacquiao confirmed that he has received pitches for the film which could come out on Netflix.

Pacquiao also added that he is aware that DiCaprio would be taking on the role of Roach. However, the name of Malek was never mentioned.

Boxing's eight-division champion is open to closing a deal on the said film for as long as things can be worked out between the producers and his side.

He added that talks have been ongoing on a movie but got stalled when the pandemic broke out.

Being a senator, Pacquiao has been busy helping his countrymen get through the coronavirus. Other than that, he is also preoccupied with his fight plans.

Pacquiao wants to fight in 2021, one of which is likely to be against Conor McGregor. Before facing the UFC star, the "Pac-Man" could face someone else. Among the names being suggested include Danny Garica and Errol Spence Jr.

As of this writing, there remains no word on when he will fight again and against who.