Darna has been around for nearly seven decades now but she’s never appeared on the big screen with the kind of technology, at least in our generation’s standard, employed by the most advanced production houses across the world.
Who wouldn’t want to see Darna in high definition 3D or 4D or in an in-depth cinema experience offered by iMax? Nonetheless, the new Darna is being welcomed with rousing applause and great excitement. Hearing that Darna is flying again, is in itself a welcome news both for Mars Ravelo fans and the legion of rabid supporters of Liza Soberano.
Although everyone was glad that Liza was chosen to play the iconic role, a lot of people were no longer surprised. In fact, many believed that the teen star had been chosen a few months ago even before the announcement that Angel Locsin backed out to play Darna due to her worsening back injury.
Soberano is fying as the millennial Darna in the big screen adaptation of the legendary komiks character
In January, Soberano told Manila Standard that she’s preparing for a “very big project” that requires intense physical training. She couldn’t reveal the nature of the role but admitted she had already started having loop tests in preparation for the project.
Now, as the official word is out that showbiz’s one of the most beautiful faces will be playing the role of Darna, fans are curious about how the new Darna would look like – her costume, her physique, and her “angas,” the intimidating sophistication of a super heroine made popular by Locsin in 2005 Darna TV series that aired on GMA 7.
A few days after the official announcement of anointing the Kapamilya star as the next local Wonder Woman, 19-year-old Liza immediately kicked off her extensive training in preparation for the forthcoming movie. For the next few weeks, Liza will endure strenuous physical activities ranging from morning jogs to core workout, all with the help of a celebrity fitness trainer.
Since our screen hero now has a face, we all know that no matter how powerful Darna is, she can’t truly shine without the schemes of villains. According to sources, Anne Curtis will be playing Valentina, a role inspired by Medusa. Curtis will be following in the footsteps of Celia Rodriguez, Pilar Pilapil, and Pilita Corales, who played the role in previous Darna movie versions.
Meanwhile, Iza Calzado has been cast as an undisclosed villain. Both Curtis and Calzado are said to have been keeping fit in the past months to prepare for their roles in the project. Another surprising name that is part of the project is that of Maricel Soriano, who will be playing the mother of Liza’s character in the movie.
With this remarkable project, Liza now joins the ranks of the country’s most celebrated actresses like Vilma Santos, Lorna Tolentino, Marian Rivera, Sharon Cuneta, Angel Locsin, and Regine Velasquez, who have previously played by the coveted role.
The millennial version of Darna, which aims to introduce the character to a whole new generation of Filipinos, will be helmed by Erik Matti and is scheduled to be Star Cinema’s entry to the Metro manila Film festival happing later in the year.