JM De Guzman backs out of San Pedro Calungsod movie

JM De Guzman as
Pedro Calungsod in an
early publicity photo

One of the entries for this December's Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is the highly anticipated movie based on the life of the young Filipino saint Pedro Calungsod, entitled "San Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir" But that film is currently facing a setback because its leading man JM De Guzman, who will be playing the titular character, is backing out from the project.

Ronnie De Guzman, JM's father confirmed that the actor will be withdrawing from his role citing health reasons, revealing that his son is "going through something" and he does not want him to suffer tedious production and hours required to film the movie. [full article after the jump]
(In case you did not know, in the MMFF, some production companies usually submit their applications for entry films first before actually working on the movie itself)

In an interview with Philippine Star, the movie's director Francis Villacorte said "The role is very demanding emotionally, mentally, physically," and adds that he understands the elder De Guzman's concerns, but also regrets losing De Guzman citing that he has always thought of JM to be the "ideal actor" to play the young Filipino saint. A replacement has not yet been announced.

Who do you think should best portray Pedro Calungsod? Hit the comments below for your suggestions!