While the pandemic has not been
kind to film and TV production in the Philippines in terms of scheduling, it
has been especially harsh on the big-budget series promised since 2019-20. For GMA7
it is a certain five-part combining ultra-electromagnetic super robot. For
ABS-CBN it is the latest edition of Mars Ravelo’s iconic super-heroine. For the
latter, its troubles were also compounded by a lead star turnover, and then by
the shutdown of its mother network, leaving it only on cable and simulcast
deals. But since when have troubles such as these ever stop “Darna”?
In fact, according to the Philippine Star, preliminary development
on the “Darna” Kapamilya teleserye (formerly movie) continues apace, especially
with the announcement of new cast members to join lead actress Jane De Leon,
plus a new auteur in the director’s chair. First, Kapamilya stars Joshua Garcia
and a now-grown Zaijian Jaranilla have been cast, respectively, as Jane’s
leading man and Ding, Darna’s brother-sidekick. Next, the series director is
now confirmed to be Chito S. Roño, taking up the job from Jerrold
Tarog from when it was originally a movie project. All involved are memorable
names in past ABS-CBN TV productions.
Roño for example has been director
of the 2004-05 supernatural teen drama “Spirits,” actually his first work for
television, but not the last (and all Kapamilya). Garcia has been active on
both big and small screens, his most recent TV role being on 2019-20’s “The
Killer Bride.” And Jaranilla cemented himself as one of the top child actors of
his time when he starred as Santino, friend of “Big Bro” Jesus in “May Bukas Pa”
(2009-10). He practically grew up a Kapamilya, and this role as Ding opposite
De Leon’s Darna looks to bring him back to a more regular TV presence after multiple
one-off appearances in Kapamilya drama anthologies.
Full production for “Darna” is
set to begin with photography this coming November, ahead of a planned premiere
in 2022. The series will debut on cable via Kapamilya Channel and A2Z, with
probable simulcast deals for TV5 like recent teleseryes/shows. Other confirmed
cast members include Iza Calzado as Darna’s predecessor, Rio Locsin, Simon
Ibarra, Kiko Estrada, Richard Quan and Levi Ignacio. The role of perennial Darna
antagonist, snake-lady Valentina, interestingly, has yet to be cast.
Image courtesy of Inquirer.net
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