Veteran Filipino actor Joel Torre is taking his craft to the international stage after joining the cast of the upcoming series kiDnap GAME, a major co-production between Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong.
The casting announcement was officially revealed by Japan’s Fuji TV on May 22, introducing an all-star lineup of Asian actors for the highly anticipated project. Among those leading the cast is Korean star Lee Joon-gi, widely recognized for his acclaimed performances in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo and Flower of Evil.
Representing Manila in the multinational ensemble is Joel, whose decades-long acting career has earned him recognition as one of the Philippines’ most respected actors.
According to Fuji TV’s official website, kiDnap GAME centers on a deadly survival challenge triggered by a wave of coordinated kidnappings across seven Asian cities.
“The story begins with a series of simultaneous kidnappings in seven Asian cities. As the incidents are sensationally reported around the world—in Tokyo, Seoul, Manila, Bangkok, Taipei, Singapore, and Naha—a family of one of the victims receives an email: 'You have been entered into the kidnap game. How far will you go to save your loved one? Only one person can be saved.' Each participant in this game is given a different instruction, and to save their loved one, they must complete the instruction before the other participants. Why have these seven people, who differ in nationality, background, and religion, become participants in this game? Who is organizing this survival game? What is their purpose...? The life-or-death game 'kiDnap GAME' unfolds in extreme conditions,” as per Fuji TV’s official website.
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Lee Joon-gi will portray Han Kijoo, a surgeon whose life takes a devastating turn after his visually impaired daughter is abducted, forcing him to enter the dangerous game after stepping away from medicine to pursue a quieter life.
Also leading the series is Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi, who takes on the role of Toshiro Niide, an elite investigator known for his unwavering sense of justice. With his wife among the kidnapped victims, he becomes determined to uncover the mastermind behind the terrifying operation.
Meanwhile, Joel will play Miguel, a friendly taxi driver from Manila who has endured poverty since childhood. Driven by his deep attachment to money and a desire to shield his children and grandchildren from the hardships he once faced, Miguel’s world is shattered when his beloved grandchild is kidnapped, ultimately pulling him into the deadly competition.
The role places Joel at the center of the series’ emotional stakes, highlighting a character whose fight is rooted not only in survival but also in family and sacrifice.
Apart from the three actors, the multinational cast also includes Alice Ko from Taipei, Stanley Yau from Hong Kong, Carrie Wong from Singapore, and Plue-Nalponkamon Chaisen from Bangkok, further underscoring the Asian scale of the production.
Following the cast reveal, fans and netizens quickly expressed excitement over Joel’s inclusion in the international project, with many celebrating the Filipino veteran’s participation alongside some of Asia’s biggest names.
“Wow, Joel Torre! An amazing veteran actor from the Philippines!” one wrote.
“Omg THE JOEL TORRE?! 🇵🇭” another added.
kiDnap GAME is set to broadcast in 18 countries worldwide beginning October.
Before joining the global series, Joel recently portrayed Emil “Uno” Padua in the ABS-CBN action-drama series Roja.