After more than a decade of playing heroes, romantics, and everyman leads, Alden Richards is finally crossing to the other side of the cinematic divide.

In the upcoming Hollywood action film Big Tiger, the Filipino star sheds his familiar image and takes on his first-ever antagonist role—an artistic risk he admits he has long been waiting for.

For Richards, playing the villain is not a departure born of reinvention fatigue but the fulfillment of a long-held creative ambition.

“I have been dreaming about this, the bad guy,” he shared during a recent appearance in Mandaluyong City.

The experience, he admitted, initially felt unsettling.

“Iba, medyo disturbing kasi hindi ako sanay. But at the end of the day, when I saw the teaser—I think I am going to like this job.”

In Big Tiger, Richards portrays John Lynch, a character that required a complete recalibration of his emotional instincts and physical discipline. Known for roles anchored in sincerity and restraint, he now navigates darker psychological spaces while meeting the demands of an action-heavy production.

“There are a lot of new experiences in terms of feelings, emotions, body language. Since this is an action film, stunt preps,” he said, underscoring how the role pushed him beyond his comfort zone.

Richards said antagonist roles offer a creative freedom rarely afforded to traditional protagonists—an aspect he relished while developing the character.

“Mas marami pwede laruin. At times the characterizations of antagonists, depending on the character, are quite eccentric and volatile,” he said.

He credited the film’s creative team for guiding him through unfamiliar territory.

“Good thing is I was guided by the director and writer.”

Beyond acting, Big Tiger also marks a major milestone in Richards’ career as a producer. The film is the first international project of Myriad Entertainment, the production company he co-founded, signaling his growing involvement behind the camera.

“When my team and I had an idea of creating a production company, it was centered on giving back to the industry,” he said.

“I’m hoping this partnership we have is an opportunity to give back to the Filipinos. For us to be proud of something we have.”

That sense of national pride extends to the film’s production ethos. Richards said the project has opened doors for Filipino talent on a global stage.

“We are also able to give jobs to Filipinos and showcase their talents,” he said.

“Most of the team from the US has nothing but good words. And nakaka proud naman maging Pilipino because of that.”

Written and directed by Keoni Waxman, Big Tiger features an international ensemble cast that includes Byron Mann, Katherine McNamara, Luke Goss, and Max Collins.

Slated for a worldwide theatrical release in 2026, the film represents more than Richards’ Hollywood debut as a villain. It stands as a statement of artistic courage, global ambition, and a commitment to elevating Filipino talent on the world stage.