“We have found a new Darna!”
This was the opening statement of ABS-CBN Films’ managing director Olivia Lamasan when ABS-CBN News asked about the latest update on the Darna project.
“We have found a new Darna and she is none other than Jane de Leon!” The young actress was previously seen in other ABS-CBN teleserye, “Halik“, as Maggie, the younger sister of lead role Lino Bartolome, played by Jericho Rosales.
Lamasan shared that almost 300 celebrities auditioned — from Star Magic and Starhunt to talent scouts and camps for the iconic role. She said that choosing Jane was a unanimous decision.
The role of Darna was originally held by Liza Soberano, but she had to bow out of the project in April due to an injury on her finger that eventually required her to undergo surgery.
Since then, fans have been naming their own choices for Liza’s replacement, suggesting everyone from Nadine Lustre to Pia Wurtzbach. The iconic role of Darna has been played by actresses like Vilma Santos, Lorna Tolentino, Sharon Cuneta, Nanette Medved, Anjanette Abayari, Angel Locsin and Marian Rivera.
The film production to be directed by Jerrold Tarog is eyeing a late 2020 release.
