The summer of 2026 is shaping up to be a cinematic “clash of the titans,” but perhaps not in the way Hollywood expected. On one side, we have the glitz of a high-fashion legacy sequel; on the other, the meteoric rise of the Philippines’ most talked-about new love team.
I was very happy to wake up today, as Regal Entertainment has officially confirmed that JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith, known to their massive fanbase as JMFyang, will make their debut as romantic leads in the upcoming film Almost Us, scheduled for a nationwide release on May 6, 2026. From “Housemates” to Headliners Directed by the master of modern Filipino romance, Dan Villegas (Exes Baggage, English Only Please), Almost Us marks a pivotal transition for the duo.
Since their breakout stint on Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11, JM and Fyang have been inseparable in the public eye. The film, which was developed under the working title IRL (In Real Life), is a collaboration between Regal Entertainment and Project 8 Projects. It promises a grounded, character-driven story that explores the “no-label” relationship dynamics the two became famous for navigating on reality TV.
The David vs. Goliath Box Office Battle
The May release window puts Almost Us in healthy competition with a global heavyweight: The Devil Wears Prada 2. Scheduled to hit theaters just days earlier on May 1, 2026, the Disney/20th Century sequel brings back the iconic trio of Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt. While Miranda Priestly will be fighting for the survival of Runway magazine against a shifting media landscape, JM and Fyang will be fighting for the hearts of the Filipino youth. |
For the local film industry, this is a bold move. Placing a local romantic drama against a major Hollywood tentpole suggests immense confidence in the JMFyang “star power.” Well, it had happened before with Kathniel, Ashlloyd, and even John Lloyd and Bea. After their success in the 2024 horror hit Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins, producers are betting that their chemistry can hold its own against the “Cerulean” influence of Miranda Priestly. One thing is certain: whether you’re looking for high-fashion shade or high-stakes young love, May 2026 is going to be a massive month for cinema-goers.
Either way, I am watching both films on the first day, JMFYANG yan e!
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