Kathryn Bernardo and James Reid are officially teaming up for the first time in a primetime teleserye under Dreamscape Entertainment, a collaboration that has caught both fans and industry insiders by surprise.
Dreamscape made the announcement on Thursday, confirming that the two stars—who rose to fame as part of two of the country’s biggest love teams, KathNiel (Bernardo with Daniel Padilla) and JaDine (Reid with Nadine Lustre)—will headline an upcoming television drama.
Even Bernardo herself admitted she was caught off guard by the project. “I did not expect it too, baka si James din hindi niya inexpect!” Bernardo said in an interview shared by Dreamscape. “Who would’ve thought, after ilang years, we’re a couple from different love teams, tapos now we’re back, tapos posible na talaga ngayon. It excites us even more na ang dami nang possibilities ngayon—whether from a different network, or a different loveteam before—na walang imposible.”
For many fans, the pairing is a “dream come true” and an unexpected twist in Philippine showbiz. The two actors, despite working in the same industry for years, have rarely crossed paths in projects, endorsements, or guestings. Their careers had always been closely tied to their respective love teams, making this crossover something fresh and unprecedented.
“I was one of those who was shocked about the team-up of Kathryn Bernardo and James Reid,” a fan on social media X, said. “As a self-proclaimed KathNiel fan a few years ago, I never imagined a time would come when they’d be paired in a teleserye. This feels like a breath of fresh air.”
The announcement also comes amid ongoing conversations about the so-called “toxic culture” of love teams, where actors are often pressured to conform to fans’ expectations on- and off-screen. Both Bernardo and Reid have since moved forward from their highly publicized relationships—Bernardo from her decade-long partnership with Padilla, and Reid from his breakup with Lustre—choosing instead to focus on their craft and individual growth.
Bernardo, fresh off her successful second collaboration with Alden Richards in two box-office hits, has been busy with endorsements and films since her split in 2023. Reid, on the other hand, has devoted the past few years to his music career, building a strong presence both locally and internationally.
Now, with their primetime comeback, the two stars appear ready to return to their roots—acting—with no baggage, no expectations, and no pressure.
This pair-up is something many have secretly wished for, but never thought possible. Now it has become a reality—two actors simply finding themselves again in their passion. What a great comeback.
The teleserye’s details, including its title and release date, are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.
