Maris Racal Says Casting Shouldn't Be Based On Followers—And Why Lesser-Known Actors Deserve More Chances

It's no secret that social media runs the show these days. From what we watch, who we follow, to who gets cast on our screens, being "viral" can open doors faster than ever.

That's exactly what Maris Racal touched on during a recent "Young Actor's Roundtable" on the Ang Walang Kwentang Channel YouTube page, alongside fellow actors Kaila Estrada and Elijah Canlas. When asked about her hopes for the local film industry, Cosmopolitan Philippines December 2025 cover star Maris pointed out how casting decisions today feel increasingly tied to numbers, reach, and online relevance—and why that shouldn't be the only thing that matters.

"May mga realizations ako na parang lahat sobrang based na sa algorithm," she said, adding that she hopes creatives and production houses don't let metrics completely dictate their decisions. For her, it's important that actors still get cast "kahit wala sila sa radar, kahit hindi pa sila relevant."

TBF, she also acknowledged the reality check. "Gets ko pa rin kasi kailangan kumita yung pelikula," she said. Film is a business, and casting someone viral can feel like a safer bet. Still, she couldn't hide her disappointment with how normalized the practice has become. "Malungkot siya na practice kasi lahat magpe-perform na just for the sake of the algorithm." It's a slippery slope that might cause people to act or behave in a way just for the sake of getting engagement—not necessarily for the plot or the art of filmmaking.

What she hopes to see is a return to more intentional practices, where auditions matter and talent is trusted even before it becomes visible online. She hopes for an industry that's still willing to bank on faces "na hindi pa masyadong kilala."

Maris also pointed out that there are some directors who intentionally cast lesser-known actors, not because they lack options, but because they want to give rising artists a real shot. "Hindi dahil meron siyang five million followers sa TikTok, but dahil sa talent," she emphasized. And when virality becomes the main goal, she warned, authenticity and craft can slowly disappear. "Hindi na authentic yung talent."

Elijah echoed the same concern, sharing how strange it feels that social media presence has become part of casting conversations. Referencing a quote by Ethan Hawke about actors being judged by their follower count, Elijah admitted, "Recent lang ako nagkaroon ng following… I don't even post on social media, so I feel like, 'Is my job in trouble because I don't have that much followers?'"

Online, many users rallied behind Maris' message. Some pointed out that she herself came from auditions—joining Pinoy Big Brother: All In to showcase her skills in singing, dancing, and acting. Others echoed the same sentiment: cast unknown but talented actors.

There's always room to make space for artists who can truly act and tell stories well. After all, as one user perfectly put it, "You can never go wrong with talent."