Atasha Muhlach during the “Bad Genius” story conference in Quezon City. Image: Facebook/Viva Artists Agency

Atasha Muhlach was announced as the lead star of the Philippine adaptation of the 2017 Thai film “Bad Genius,” where she will take on the role of Linette Estrella or Lin.

Muhlach was revealed as the lead character of the Derick Cabrido-helmed “Bad Genius,” during a story conference on Tuesday, March 18. She will be joined by Jairus Aquino, Hyacinth Callado, and Gab Lagman who will portray Tristan Bangkat, Grace Ann Dizon, and Patrick Joseph Tioseco, respectively.

“I’m nervous kasi ito ‘yung first lead project pero in terms of the work itself, I already knew that going into it, I will give my 100-percent. Wala akong expectation (I don’t have any expectations) on what the results will be but as long as I can promise myself that I give my [all],” Muhlach said of her casting.

The local adaptation of “Bad Genius” will be remade into a series which, according to Cabrido, will allow the viewers to delve deeper into the characters and their respective films.

Giving a glimpse into Lin’s character, Muhlach said it will show a “different side” of herself, noting how the public is used to seeing her bright persona, an apparent nod to her hosting stint in the noontime show “Eat Bulaga.”

“I think what sets this apart from myself is that it will showcase a different side of me. People are usually used to seeing the very jolly, flamboyant, and positive Tash. Now we’re going into something more serious tackling real life battles,” she said.

In the original film, Lynn (Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying) is a scholar at a prestigious private school who takes advantage of a fellow genius’ intelligence to devise a cheating scheme to help their classmates.

The actress said has long been aware of “Bad Genius” since she saw clips of the film during her college days. Even though the film sheds light on societal and education-related issues, she said that she doesn’t want to view it as a “controversial” body of work and instead, view it as a “great story.”

“When I first heard about the project and I’ve seen [the original film] before. Back in college, I would see clips of the movie. When I first heard about it, it’s not [in the sense] controversial but moreso it’s a great story. It’s such an honor and a blessing to be doing this project. Of course, I’m nervous because it’s a big role pero at the end of the day, I’m willing to take the risk. I won’t take this for granted,” she said.

Filming for the upcoming series will take place sometime in March. Details on the premiere date and the possible changes to the storyline are yet to be announced.

A local and international hit, “Bad Genius” originally starred Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying, Chanon Santinatornkul, Teeradon Supapunpinyo, and Eisaya Hosuwan. It was also remade in India and the US.