Hell University (HU) could be Viva One’s next big hit. Based on Wattpad novels by KnightinBlack, it is arguably the streaming app’s most fascinating new offering yet. While most Viva One shows lean toward romance dramas, HU veers into horror and draws inspiration from The Purge films.
Director Bobby Bonifacio Jr. has promised a cinematic vibe for HU, and its set design alone, led by Ericson Navarro, proves the budget and effort poured into building the show’s world. The titular Hell University was created from scratch inside an abandoned old building, which Navarro and his team transformed with a sleek Art Deco makeover.
Beyond the impressive aesthetics, viewers are also looking forward to seeing the cast in action. Below is a handy guide to the actors and their characters. Fun fact: many of them are or used to be P-pop idols.
The lead stars
Heart Ryan as Zein Shion
Many already know Heart Ryan Evangelista, who is not related to GMA’s Heart Evangelista, as Ella Dianne Hyun in Ang Mutya ng Section E (AMNSE). This time, she steps into her first lead role in HU as the brave heroine Zein Shion. Born on April 9, 2002, the actress previously lived in Dubai and can speak a bit of Arabic.
In February 2019, Heart debuted as a member of P-pop Generation with the house-infused track “Boom Ganda.” She later re-debuted in LITZ in March 2022. Despite earning praise, the group did not last a full year and unofficially disbanded around November.
Heart’s first acting gig came on December 5, 2021, when she starred as Arthur Nery’s girlfriend in the music video for “Pagsamo.” After LITZ went inactive, she focused more on acting. Her credits include Pam, played by Kim Molina, her younger sister Tin in the rom-com Girlfriend Na, Pwede Na (2023), the younger version of Becky, portrayed by Katya Santos, in the friendship film Sunny (2024), and Anne in the Muhlachs’ sitcom Da Pers Family (2024).
Zeke Polina as Ace Craige
Like Heart, Ezekeil “Zeke” Polina is in his early 20s. Prior to HU, his only acting credit was a small role in season one of AMNSE, where he portrayed Mykel Mitchell, an arrogant rich boy who courted Micaela “Mica” Yumol. The character was played by Rafa Victorino, who also appears in HU as Angelica.
In HU, Zeke plays Ace Craige, the cold and powerful Supreme Student Government president. The leap from Mykel to Ace is a significant one, making it exciting to see the industry give a fresh face like Zeke the chance to shine.
A packed ensemble
Andre Yllana, Jastine Lim, and Derick Ong reunite with their AMNSE co-stars in this series. Andre, 27, portrays the protective Matthew “Matt” Hart. Heart Ryan’s former P-pop Generation bandmate Jastine Lim steps into the role of Vanessa Savagge, a girly girl with hidden depths. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Derick, who is also a member of the boy band GAT, plays Davies Silver, the emotional pillar of the main group.
Rounding out the friend group are newcomers Jac Abellana and Gabbi Ejercito, both 19 years old. Jac plays Jerome Marquez, the resident jokester, while Gabbi portrays the sweet Mia Mendez.
Avenues of the Diamond stars Lance Carr and Aubrey Caraan, known collectively as the “LanceBrey” love team, portray Raze Silvenia and Samantha, respectively. Raze is the leader of the Devil God Warrior gang and is said to be the smartest person in the entire school. Samantha, meanwhile, is a former student with a mysterious role in the story.
Ashanti Gorospe, seen in Chasing in the Wild, joins the cast as the school’s popular mean girl Roxane Allister.
ALAMAT’s Jao Canlas plays Supreme Student Government vice president Onel Ty, while rookie actress Bree Barrameda is Supreme Student Government secretary Fritzy Saldivar. In the books, the two form a sassy duo that contrasts sharply with their president Ace’s stoic demeanor.
Keagan de Jesus, who portrayed Eman Andrada in AMNSE, plays Nazzer Lumia. Though he looks innocent, Nazzer is actually the leader of the unhinged Black Blood Gang.
Jemima Rivera of the girl group RAYA plays Nicky Colt. While Nazzer and Nicky are a couple, Nicky is far more than just his girlfriend. She is one of the deadliest characters in the story and is canonically among the smartest students. In one promo clip, Nicky puts Zein in a chokehold while pressing a dagger to the heroine’s neck, showcasing beauty, brains, and badass energy all in one.
ALAMAT’s Alas Alvarez portrays Luke, another dangerous member of the Black Blood Gang.
Though the cast largely consists of younger actors, 48-year-old Andrea Del Rosario takes on one of the most important roles as the villainous Madam Violet. In the 2000s, Andrea was part of the girl group Viva Hot Babes, which some consider “P-pop before P-pop was even a thing.”
