MANILA, Philippines- The long wait is finally over! On Tuesday, May 30, Kapamilya teen actress Liza Soberano has finally confirmed that she will portray the Pinay superheroine Darna in Star Cinema’s upcoming film to be directed by Erik Matti.
Soberano, 19, became a household name for her roles in various ABS-CBN hit shows like “Forevermore” and “Dolce Amore” as well as films like “Everyday I Love You”, “Just the Way You Are” and “My Ex and Whys” alongside onscreen partner Enrique Gil.
Speaking to ABS-CBN reporter MJ Felipe, Soberano revealed: “Yes, it is confirmed. Tinatanggap ko na ang role na Darna."
Soberano is to succeed Kapuso star Marian Rivera, who last portrayed Darna in 2009. Fellow Kapamilya star Angel Locsin, who played Darna in 2005, was the first choice for the film but a back injury prevented her from taking part in the project.
In a previous interview with DZMM, Matti revealed that Soberano has the physical built to carry on the role of the iconic Filipina character.
“She has the strength physically, 'yung itsura at katawan. And then tama 'yung edad and you can do a lot of things sa mukha niya. Puwede siya mag-iba-iba ng itsura and she could still look really good. At the same time, Pinay siya na maganda, pan-Asian. Mahirap 'yung mestiza eh,” Matti said.
Most netizens believe Soberano is indeed the perfect choice for the role.
Others expressed their doubts on Soberano’s capability to do justice to the role.
The debate on whether Soberano truly deserves to portray the superheroine clad in red and gold may go on but one thing is for sure: the new Darna has some big shoes to fill and we do hope Ding is there to help her!
--Mini, The Summit Express
Soberano, 19, became a household name for her roles in various ABS-CBN hit shows like “Forevermore” and “Dolce Amore” as well as films like “Everyday I Love You”, “Just the Way You Are” and “My Ex and Whys” alongside onscreen partner Enrique Gil.
Speaking to ABS-CBN reporter MJ Felipe, Soberano revealed: “Yes, it is confirmed. Tinatanggap ko na ang role na Darna."
Soberano is to succeed Kapuso star Marian Rivera, who last portrayed Darna in 2009. Fellow Kapamilya star Angel Locsin, who played Darna in 2005, was the first choice for the film but a back injury prevented her from taking part in the project.
In a previous interview with DZMM, Matti revealed that Soberano has the physical built to carry on the role of the iconic Filipina character.
“She has the strength physically, 'yung itsura at katawan. And then tama 'yung edad and you can do a lot of things sa mukha niya. Puwede siya mag-iba-iba ng itsura and she could still look really good. At the same time, Pinay siya na maganda, pan-Asian. Mahirap 'yung mestiza eh,” Matti said.
Most netizens believe Soberano is indeed the perfect choice for the role.
It started with the sweetest strawberry, now we have the magical stone.— The Narrator (@TheNarratorPH) May 30, 2017
PROUD AND GRATEFUL.
♥️ #LIZAisthenewDARNA pic.twitter.com/0BfcPoyTMy
A lot of terrible things happen but finally there's good news.— Donna Marie (@Donna077dmr) May 30, 2017
The most beautiful girl in the world Liza Soberano is gonna be DARNA!! pic.twitter.com/PPyt1JHRY2
"Who can take on Gal Gadot as the world's most beautiful superhero?"— James Vitaliano (@jamesvitaliano) May 30, 2017
Say no more. Meet Liza Soberano. The "Filipino Wonder Woman," Darna. pic.twitter.com/N6MxnLf2SS
body shaming, racism, crab mentality, language discrimination? WAIT FOR LIZA SOBERANO TO BURN ALL YOUR INSECURITIES FOR YOUR IDOLS, DARNA! 😉— ... (@bebemoto1234) May 30, 2017
After Pia Wurtzbach, now Darna. Liza Soberano is taking iconic roles and raising the bar. I'm already hearing her shout "Darna!" in my head.— James Vitaliano (@jamesvitaliano) May 30, 2017
Others expressed their doubts on Soberano’s capability to do justice to the role.
Darna Fans Be Like— Kaye Daniel Banico (@143KayeDaniel) May 30, 2017
Born: 2005
Died: 2015
Angel Will Always Be The Best Darna. Liza will not be as good as Angel is. pic.twitter.com/TlTBreJixi
@StarCinema ANGEL LOCSIN is more capable, irreplaceable DARNA of all times!! Period!!!— im_your_angel (@143anewor) May 30, 2017
Liza's a good actress but I don't think she can pull the Darna role off??— xy (@xyphee_) May 30, 2017
I am not hating on Liza Soberano in anyway but I just don't think she is a good fit to play Darna.— Mef (@Thecrazygoddess) May 30, 2017
The debate on whether Soberano truly deserves to portray the superheroine clad in red and gold may go on but one thing is for sure: the new Darna has some big shoes to fill and we do hope Ding is there to help her!
--Mini, The Summit Express