TBA Studios taps ‘Game of Thrones’ actor Iain Glen to join historical biopic ‘Quezon’

“Game of Thrones” actor Iain Glen is joining the cast of TBA Studios’ biographical historical movie “Quezon,” the film company announced on March 17, 2025.

Iain Glen and Director Jerrold Tarog

Glen, whose credits include the role of Jorah Mormont in the fantasy drama television series, “Game of Thrones,” has been cast as Leonard Wood, the United States Army major who served as Governor-General of the Philippines. Wood played a pivotal role in Manuel Quezon’s quest for Philippine independence from the United States.

The Scottish actor met the cast and crew of the film for their script reading at The Manila Hotel in Manila, Philippines earlier this year.

“Quezon” director and co-writer Jerrold Tarog said the casting of Glen as Leonard Wood makes the film “much more alive.” “(Iain Glen) has gravitas. But at the same time, he can let loose, which is important for the role of Leonard Wood,” he said.

“We are very honored to have Iain Glen in ‘Quezon’,” said TBA Studios President and COO Daphne O. Chiu. “This film is shaping up to be one of the biggest productions in Philippine cinema, with one of the largest casts ever assembled. We are excited to share with Iain—and the rest of the world—the production scale and level of artistry that Filipino filmmakers are capable of."

Cast and crew of TBA Studios' Quezon

The Philippine government agency National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) have announced their support for the project, with the latter providing funding for the movie. The country's Department of Tourism and the QCinema Film Foundation have also given their support to the film.

Glen joins Jericho Rosales, who plays the film’s title role of Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon.

Jericho Rosales and Iain Glen during the reading of Quezon

Aside from his role as Jorah Mormont in “Game of Thrones,” Glen is known for playing memorable characters such as Dr. Alexander Isaacs in the action horror film series “Resident Evil” and Sir Richard Carlisle in “Downton Abbey.” More recently, he played Dr. Pete Nichols in Apple TV+’s dystopian drama “Silo,” and Magnus MacMillan in Prime Video’s supernatural thriller “The Rig.” He is also the voice actor for Juste Belmont in Netflix’s animated show “Castlevania: Nocturne.”

“Quezon,” which is expected to follow the life of the Filipino lawyer and soldier who became the President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from 1935 to 1944, is set to begin production this March.

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FANNY: Pinoy domination overseas in the 70s

Who would have thought that on the other side of the world, Filipino-blood is already making its mark in the music scene, at the same time when the likes of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and more are dominating the industry? Fil-Am band "Fanny" that consist of June and Jean Millington started an all-female band that has broken the male-dominated music category with their unique music and perfomance style that captured the audience from US to London. A full length documentary Fanny: The Right to Rock chronicles the life of Fanny that will be shown in theaters this September 7.

Growing up in a period where discrimination is rampant, June and Jean fell victims of criticism and outcast while in California. But it didn't stop them to pursue and use their talent in making music and enjoy their youth. As many music artists experience, they had their share of ups and lows, especially trying to get in a scene where it was mostly men runs it, and it was a challenge to be known and to stay in the limelight. It is a wonderful achievement that icons acknowledge them and call them an inspiration as the first all-female rock band.

There are even heavier challenges that faced the band. Rejection, family duties and paralyzing instances that stopped their performances when the fame is starting to go up. But as they said, when doors close, windows will be opened, and they found the opportunity to revive the music. We will all learn from Fanny that everything is not too late and just grab every opportunity that comes your way.

Fast forward to the present, as the members get older, they had doubts of going back again. It is a great help when bigger names like David Bowie acknowledged their presence in the music scene and regarded them as one of the most important bands. He said, “One of the most important female bands in American rock has been buried without a trace." And they are. They are not even known here in the country they're from, maybe aside if you've been in the US or London during the 70s.

“One of the most important female bands in American rock has been buried without a trace." - David Bowie

The reunion is really exciting especially for the new audience like me who is able to know their background. Fanny: The Right to Rock is a beautiful story that your lolas or titas could sit down with you while they're talking about their young, vulnerable and fun life -- which you can learn a lot from. The movie will introduce you to more realities and teach lots of lessons, especially in life. The name could be forgotten, but the legacy and lessons will live on.

Fanny: The Right to Rock is distributed by TBA Studios. The one-and-a-half hour documentary also features Def Leppard's Joe Elliott, Bonnie Raitt, The Go-Go's Kathy Valentine, Todd Rundgren, The Runaways' Cherie Currie, Lovin' Spoonful's John Sebastian, The B52's Kate Pierson, Charles Neville, David Bowie guitarist and bassist Earl Slick and Gail Ann Dorsey, and other music icons. Watch the trailer below:

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