Tatler (Quezon)
Posted: Saturday, April 5, 2025
Iain Glen dives into Philippine history for his role in upcoming biopic ‘Quezon’
Scottish actor Iain Glen delves into his immersive experience in Philippine history and portraying Leonard Wood in the upcoming historical film ‘Quezon’
With his commanding screen presence and knack for portraying layered, conflicted characters, Scottish actor Iain Glen is no stranger to challenging roles, but stepping into the shoes of Leonard Wood—a governor-general of the Philippines who played a role in the country’s independence from the United States—was an entirely different experience.
Best known for his role as Jorah Mormont in the American fantasy drama series Game of Thrones, Glen has built a distinguished career spanning TV, film and theatre with captivating roles in Resident Evil, Downtown Abbey and The Windermere Children. In recent years, he has continued to expand his range with roles in the sci-fi dystopian drama Silo and the supernatural thriller The Rig.
His latest venture, meanwhile, brings him to the heart of Philippine history. Quezon, directed by Jerrold Tarog, is the third instalment in TBA Studios’ “Bayaniverse” series, following Heneral Luna and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral. The film chronicles the life of Manuel L Quezon, the Philippines’ first president, with Jericho Rosales in the titular role.
Becoming Leonard Wood
In the upcoming biopic, Iain Glen steps into the shoes of Leonard Wood, a pivotal figure during Quezon’s era. “I was given good research, and I also did my own. I read biographies of Leonard Wood. I was also given some of his writing,” Glen shares.
Wood, a medical officer who became the chief of staff of the United States Army, held significant positions such as military governor of Cuba before taking on his role in the Philippines. His tenure as governor-general of the Philippines from 1921 to 1927 was marked by efforts to implement economic reforms and navigate the delicate path toward Philippine independence.
Glen’s approach to embodying Wood was meticulous. He immersed himself in research, delving into biographies and Wood’s personal writings. The availability of archival footage was a revelation for Glen. “There was some invaluable archive footage, which is the holy grail where I can actually see him move,” Glen reflects. This visual aid was instrumental in capturing Wood’s distinctive limp, a result of a shrapnel injury from an American mortar prior to his Philippine assignment.
Portraying Wood’s character was no easy feat, given his reputation as a strong-willed and often controversial figure. “He was a strong sort of alpha male…and was not really into the shenanigans and the machinations of the political sphere,” Glen explains while commending Quezon director Jerrold Tarog, who carefully balanced Wood’s character in the upcoming film.
Glen pointed out that Wood’s story is layered. “He was an honest man trying to get a good job done. But what was complex was it was in the context of a colonial power in a country that no longer understandably wanted the Americans to be there. So it was just a very interesting period.”
Manila experience
Filming in the Philippines offered Iain Glen a refreshing change of pace. “It sounds very, very superficial, but my most memorable experience is lying on a very buoyant ocean at night staring at the sky in Batangas at a beautiful secluded beach. Because that’s why all Brits want to come to the Philippines—it’s such a beautiful climate,” he laughs.
Beyond the scenic views, what struck him most was the warmth and joie de vivre of the Filipino people. “Honestly, I feel it on the set and I feel it on the streets. There’s a joyousness and a kind of open spirit which is just really lovely.”
Culturally, Glen noted the affectionate displays among Filipinos, contrasting them with the more reserved British demeanour. “But often here, I see out of the window of the car lots of couples with arms wrapped around each other. There’s a sensuousness which is really nice as well.”
The bustling streets and unique modes of transportation left a lasting impression on him. “The streets are insane. In the countryside, everyone’s on these tripod motorbikes with a sidecar. I sent a picture to my wife of one bike with a father driving, two children in the middle, and the mother on the back carrying a baby. I even saw another one carrying a cattle,” he says.
Glen’s experience with the Philippine film industry was overwhelmingly positive. “Sometimes in Western film industries, you can have a kind of hierarchy of talent, and there’s just none here. It doesn’t feel like that.” He notes that despite the cultural differences, actors across the world share a common language. “Actors, we kind of communicate in similar ways. The language of a film set is very similar wherever you are.”
Working alongside esteemed actors, including Rosales, was a highlight for Glen. “He is a very fine actor and a lovely, lovely person. He’s carrying the weight of this film, and he’s doing it with great grace and with a lightness of touch.”
Cinematic bridge
Serving as a cinematic bridge, Quezon presents a compelling historical narrative that Iain Glen believes will resonate with audiences worldwide. He remarks, “It’s a fantastic story, the third in Tarrog’s trilogy. He’s a wonderful filmmaker who has brought this rich history to life.”
Glen views the film as a significant historical record, capturing pivotal events from the mid-19th century onward. “It’s rare to find a film that offers such a comprehensive look at a country’s political landscape,” he notes. “It’s a great, great story with fantastic characters. And it just happens to be pretty much the truth.”
When asked why audiences should see Quezon, Glen emphasises, “Great acting, great visual storytelling, and it’s definitely worth the price of admission. It’s a major blockbuster from the Philippines, which is fantastic.” With its engaging storyline, stellar performances, and historical depth, Quezon is set to make a lasting impression on viewers globally.
As Quezon nears its release, anticipation builds. The film not only gives a glimpse into a pivotal era of Philippine history but also showcases the collaborative spirit of international cinema. For Iain Glen, “participating in this project has been a truly enjoyable experience,” and for audiences, Quezon promises to be a cinematic journey worth undertaking.
– Interview by Syrah Vivien Inocencio
