Michelle Dee, Ahtisa Manalo headline ‘Red Crown,’ GMA’s new pageantry-based movie

Real-life pageant queens and GMA Sparkle artists are set to bring pageant drama to the big screen as they go head-to-head for the crown in the upcoming satirical comedy film “Red Crown.”

Released on Friday, Aug. 28, the trailer features a 25-member cast composed of beauty queens and actresses who strut the runway, pose in pageant gowns and swimsuits, and take part in the fictional “Queen of the Islands” competition.

Among those featured are Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, Miss Universe 2025 third runner-up Ahtisa Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2014 MJ Lastimosa, Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados, Miss Universe 2013 third runner-up Ariella Arida, and Binibining Pilipinas 2022 first runner-up Herlene Budol.

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Also seen in the trailer are other pageant queens Yllana Aduana, Alethea Ambrosio, Skye Chua, Haley Dizon, MJ Encabo, Rein Hillary, Maika Kemmochi, Aira Lopez, Vanessa Peña, Sandy Riccio, Jade Tecson, Tarah Valencia, Yna Angela Uy and Yza Thalia Uy.

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The beauty queens will go head to head with fellow Sparkle stars Sanya Lopez, Faith da Silva, Shuvee Etrata, Ashley Ortega and AZ Martinez.

READ: Miss Grand USA crowns new 2026 queen after titleholder’s termination

The trailer opens with the “Queen of the Islands” branding before showing the candidates in pageant-style presentations, including swimsuit and evening-wear segments. It also teases the fierce competition among the contestants with the words “Bardagulan na… ng kagandahan!” before revealing the film’s title, “Red Crown.”

The “Queen of the Islands” competition recently drew attention online after its official social media accounts released candidate posters, pasarela videos, behind-the-scenes clips and other materials that made it appear to be an actual pageant.

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The campaign even promoted a supposed P25 million cash prize, prompting pageant fans to pick their favorites and speculate about the competition.

GMA Pictures later revealed that the pageant is actually part of the promotional campaign and central storyline of “Red Crown.”

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The film follows the competitive and dramatic world of pageantry, exploring the rivalries and personalities behind the gowns, glamour and performances onstage.

The cast underwent actual pageant preparations, including pasarela training, swimsuit and evening-gown photoshoots, and other activities designed to replicate the pageant experience. /edv