One might almost think that the
latest “Darna” movie in development under ABS-CBN following their acquisition
of exclusive rights to the Mars Ravelo media stable has some curse on it. First
the initial choice to play – or rather reprise – Darna, Angel Locsin, was
nursing an injury, and then later declined for reasons of age. Liza Soberano
was then chosen as a replacement only to make her exit as well, due to a
painful-looking finger bone fracture that required surgery. The studio has
since been spending months searching for a new actress to portray the greatest
Western-style Philippine superhero. Finally, they got their new Darna actress.
The Manila Bulletin tells us that ABS-CBN has decided on Jane de
Leon as the one to play Darna in their still-in development film. The network
announced the casting just this Wednesday, July 17. Further elaboration reveals
that de Leon was one of nearly 300 talents from ABS-CBN and beyond that have both
been considered and auditioned for the role of Darna, but ultimately is was
Jane that became the personal choice of the film’s director, Jerrold Tarrog (“Heneral
Luna” and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral”).
Tarog described de Leon as
possessing a quality that made her an instinctive actress, in his definition,
and therefore appropriate for an action role like Darna. His opinion is
supported by Olivia Lamasan, managing director of ABS-CBN Films. Jane, only 20
years old as of her being tapped to play Darna, was fit for the character
according to Lamasan due to her youth. As the “Darna” movie is being framed as both
a “coming-of-age” and “superhero origin” story in one, they needed an actress
who could convey “an air of innocence, but also at the same time, strength of
character.”
Jane de Leon’s previous
appearance have been as a member of the TV girl group “Girltrends” on ABS-CBN’s
noontime show “It’s Showtime!” plus roles in tele-seryes “La Luna Sangre” in
2017 and “Halik” in 2018. With her casting, she now joins the elite circle of
Darna actresses that spans decades, and includes the likes of Vilma Santos,
Gina Alajar, Gina Pareño, Sharon Cuneta, Regine Velazquez, Marian Rivera and
Angel Locsin.
While the casting of de Leon has
been greeted by many Darna fans with joy, now that the question of an actress
is settled, there has also been a vocal sector of social media that considers
her a “safe” choice that offers nothing substantial to the iconic role. They
point out that Jane is relatively untested when it comes to big-budget films
and established franchises, which may affect the reception of ABS-CBN’s “Darna”
film, which could at least begin filming on this or next year.
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