Physical: Asia: How Netflix Cast Boxing Legend Manny Pacquiao

The Ambitious Quest to Cast a Global Icon

At a press conference on October 24, 2025, Producer Jang HoGi shared the remarkable behind-the-scenes story of casting a global sports legend for the new Netflix Original, “Physical: Asia.” This highly anticipated survival show, which gathers elite Asian contestants for an intense physical competition, successfully recruited none other than Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao. The announcement has sent waves of excitement through the global community, setting high expectations for what promises to be an epic series.

PD Jang HoGi explained that from the beginning, the vision for “Physical: Asia” was to create a competition on an unprecedented scale, truly representing the pinnacle of physical prowess across the continent. To achieve this, securing a figure with the legendary status of Manny Pacquiao was a top priority. “We wanted to bring together individuals who have reached the apex in their respective fields,” Jang stated. “Manny Pacquiao is a symbol of strength and perseverance not just in Asia, but around the world. We knew his participation would elevate the show’s meaning.”

A Personal Appeal in the Philippines

Securing the boxing champion was no simple task. PD Jang HoGi revealed that the production team flew directly to the Philippines to present their vision to Manny Pacquiao in person. They explained the show’s concept: a grueling physical competition designed to discover the most powerful and well-rounded physique in Asia, transcending specific sports or disciplines. The team’s passion and the ambitious scope of this survival show ultimately convinced the legend to join the formidable lineup of Asian contestants.

A Star-Studded Roster of Elite Asian Contestants

While Manny Pacquiao is a headline-grabbing participant, he is joined by a formidable roster of athletes and powerhouses from across the continent, making this physical competition a must-watch event. The cast includes decorated South Korean athletes like skeleton Olympic gold medalist Yun SungBin and veteran MMA fighter Kim DongHyun. Building on the success of its predecessors, this new survival show aims to reach new heights.

The international lineup further underscores the show’s grand scale. Contestants include Japanese martial arts legend Yushin Okami, former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker from Australia, formidable Mongolian strongman Erkhembayar Bayarsaikhan, and celebrated Turkish wrestling champion Recep Kara. This diverse cast ensures that the competition will be a true test of different forms of strength, strategy, and endurance.

What to Expect from the New Netflix Original

“Physical: Asia” is poised to be more than just a series of challenges; it is a celebration of the human spirit and athletic dedication. The show will pit these incredible individuals against one another in a series of quests designed to push them to their absolute limits. Viewers can anticipate breathtaking displays of power, agility, and unwavering willpower. With a cast led by the iconic Manny Pacquiao, “Physical: Asia” is set to become the next global phenomenon on Netflix, captivating audiences with its raw, unscripted drama and inspirational stories of athletic excellence.

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