Jane de Leon is the new Darna!

MANILA, Philippines – After months of searching, a new actress was cast in the coveted role of Darna for the upcoming film remake of Mars Ravelo’s beloved superhero story.

ABS-CBN Films managing director Olivia Lamasan told ABS-CBN News on Wednesday, July 17, that 20-year-old Jane de Leon has been chosen to play the iconic superhero out of 300 celebrities who auditioned.

She said that choosing Jane was a unanimous decision.

“‘Yung Darna story natin ngayon (Our Darna story now) is a genesis story, a coming of age [story]. Ang requirement talaga (The requirement really) is somebody na (who is) young and with an air of innocence, but at the same time strength of character,” Olivia said.

Jane, a Star Magic talent, earlier appeared in the teleserye Halik, as well as the fantaserye La Luna Sangre.

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.

Historically, the role has been played by legendary actresses like Vilma Santos, Lorna Tolentino, Angel Locsin, and Marian Rivera.

There’s no word yet on when the film will start production, but director Jerrold Tarog is eyeing a late 2020 release. – Rappler.com