How Richard Gutierrez And Barbie Imperial Went From Movie Nights To Their First On-Screen Project

Real-life couple Richard Gutierrez and Barbie Imperial are finally sharing the screen—and it's something they've both been looking forward to for quite some time.

The two are currently co-starring in the action drama series Blood vs Duty, marking their first project together. During the media conference on March 27, Richard was asked what it's like working with the "love of his life"—a question that caught both him and Barbie off guard.

While fans are only now seeing their on-screen dynamic unfold, Richard revealed that working together has been something they've talked about for years.

"I've been wanting to work with Barbie, of course. Kaming dalawa, we've been working hard for years and years,” Richard shared during the media conference. What started as a casual "what if" convo between them eventually turned into a real opportunity. "It was like a conversation na, 'What if we work together? What are the possibilities?'"

Now that it's actually happening, things are off to a strong start. Richard described the experience as an "exciting journey," crediting the team behind the series for helping them ease into this new territory as co-stars.

"Great creatives and great directors guide us, and the JRB unit loves Barbie… it's been good so far," he said, noting how warmly Barbie has been welcomed by the production team. JRB is Julie Anne R. Benitez Creative Production—the series' production house. A supportive boyfriend and proud co-star? We love to see it.

Meanwhile, Barbie admitted she had no idea Richard would be part of the project when it was first offered to her. "I was still in Sins of the Father when Ms. Julie told me, 'May show tayo ulit,'" she said. Considering she hadn't taken on a teleserye right after Batang Quiapo, landing this role already felt like a win—having Richard in the mix just made it extra special.

Off-cam, their shared love for films might have quietly manifested this collab. Barbie shared that movie nights together often turn into brainstorming sessions for Richard. "Mahilig siyang manood ng films. Minsan, out of nowhere, ang dami na niyang plano," she said. Date night, but make it productive. "We wanted to work with each other matagal na so, I'm so grateful and thankful for this opportunity."

Since publicly confirming their relationship, the two have been keeping things low-key, sharing subtle glimpses of each other's POV during their Tokyo trip—like Richard's photo of their shadows mid–forehead kiss.

While their on-screen partnership is now a reality, Richard was quick to clarify that they're not rushing into other major life decisions just yet. After the mediacon, he was asked if he's ready to start a new family with Barbie.

"Family? Naku, malayo pa," he said candidly. "Mina-manage ko pa yung isa kong family… naka-focus ako ngayon sa work."

Richard is currently separated from Sarah Lahbati and shared that they are in the process of an annulment. The two have sons together, Kai and Zion, and are maintaining a co-parenting arrangement. 

For now, Richard emphasized that his priorities remain with his children and his current projects, including Blood vs Duty. "I'm not looking beyond anything, beyond just right now," he added, sharing that he feels inspired both in life and work.

Joining Richard and Barbie in the series are Bela Padilla, Gerald Anderson, Baron Geisler, Susan Africa, and Jaime Fabregas. Blood vs Duty is set to premiere on primetime TV on April 6, 2026.