MANILA, Philippines – The face of Jane De Leon was instantly everywhere as she was named the newest star to play the Pinay superhero "Darna" on Wednesday.
From a newbie actress, De Leon quickly rose to popularity as ABS-CBN Films' managing director Olivia Lamasan made the announcement.
De Leon is an exclusive Star Magic talent and has appeared in a few projects on the small and big screens. She was previously part of "It's Showtime" girl group, GirlTrends.
The 20-year-old actress also starred in primetime teleserye "Halik" and portrayed the role of "Maggie Bartolome," the sister of "Lino," Jericho Rosales' character.
De Leon was also a "moonchaser" on Kathniel's fantaserye "La Luna Sangre" back in 2017. She also played the role of a rape victim on "Ipaglaban Mo."
The actress has also starred in a two teen-oriented movies, a horror flick "The Debutantes" and a coming-of-age film, "Walwal."
Despite being relatively new to showbiz, De Leon beat over 300 women, including other more popular celebrities who auditioned for the coveted "Darna" role. ABS-CBN even opened the audition to the public via their talent scouts and Starhunt camps.
"There's something about her"
Lamasan explained that De Leon earned the "unanimous" vote of ABS-CBN executives and Darna director Jerold Tarog.
It was even Tarog who presented De Leon's audition tapes to the executives. According to the director, De Leon impressed him for being an "instinctive actress."
Lamasan also has praises for the young actress. She said, "Pinresent na si Jane sa amin a couple of years ago, and among all the 13 noon na Mr. M (Johnny Manahan) presented from Star Magic, natatandaan siya ng isang talent handler na sabi, 'Inang, napansin mo na siya noon, itong batang ito pwedeng sumali ng beauty pageants.'"
"And then I saw her again in 'Halik.' Sabi ko, 'Itong batang to, meron.' There's something about her," she added.
Lamasan admitted she was pleased when De Leon actually auditioned for the Darna role.
"Natuwa nga ako na isa siya sa mga nag-audition. Sabi ko ay there's something about her. Pati si Direk Lauren (Dyogi) said there's something about her. Bilang filmmakers, may nakikita kami," she said.
Lamasan is confident that De Leon perfectly fits their vision for the newest "Darna."
She said, "'Yung Darna story natin ngayon is a genesis story, a coming of age. Ang requirement talaga is somebody na young and with an air of innocence, but at the same time a strength of character."
"Ibibigay ko ang lahat"
Meanwhile, De Leon was overwhelmed with the support and messages of congratulations sent to her over the announcement.
The actress promised to work hard and give it her all for the role.
De Leon wrote on Instagram, "MARAMING MARAMING SALAMAT PO SA TIWALA! Pangako po na pagtratrabahuhan ko po ito at ibibigay ko ang lahat. #Narda #DARNA #SOON."
— Sally, The Summit Express
 |
| Jane De Leon is the newest star to play Darna | Photo Courtesy: Instagram/ Jane De Leon |
From a newbie actress, De Leon quickly rose to popularity as ABS-CBN Films' managing director Olivia Lamasan made the announcement.
De Leon is an exclusive Star Magic talent and has appeared in a few projects on the small and big screens. She was previously part of "It's Showtime" girl group, GirlTrends.
The 20-year-old actress also starred in primetime teleserye "Halik" and portrayed the role of "Maggie Bartolome," the sister of "Lino," Jericho Rosales' character.
 |
| Jane De Leon beats over 300 women for the Darna role | Photo Courtesy: Instagram/ Jane De Leon |
De Leon was also a "moonchaser" on Kathniel's fantaserye "La Luna Sangre" back in 2017. She also played the role of a rape victim on "Ipaglaban Mo."
The actress has also starred in a two teen-oriented movies, a horror flick "The Debutantes" and a coming-of-age film, "Walwal."
Despite being relatively new to showbiz, De Leon beat over 300 women, including other more popular celebrities who auditioned for the coveted "Darna" role. ABS-CBN even opened the audition to the public via their talent scouts and Starhunt camps.
"There's something about her"
Lamasan explained that De Leon earned the "unanimous" vote of ABS-CBN executives and Darna director Jerold Tarog.
It was even Tarog who presented De Leon's audition tapes to the executives. According to the director, De Leon impressed him for being an "instinctive actress."
 |
| From a newbie to an iconic superhero | Photo Courtesy: Instagram/Jane De Leon |
Lamasan also has praises for the young actress. She said, "Pinresent na si Jane sa amin a couple of years ago, and among all the 13 noon na Mr. M (Johnny Manahan) presented from Star Magic, natatandaan siya ng isang talent handler na sabi, 'Inang, napansin mo na siya noon, itong batang ito pwedeng sumali ng beauty pageants.'"
"And then I saw her again in 'Halik.' Sabi ko, 'Itong batang to, meron.' There's something about her," she added.
Lamasan admitted she was pleased when De Leon actually auditioned for the Darna role.
"Natuwa nga ako na isa siya sa mga nag-audition. Sabi ko ay there's something about her. Pati si Direk Lauren (Dyogi) said there's something about her. Bilang filmmakers, may nakikita kami," she said.
Lamasan is confident that De Leon perfectly fits their vision for the newest "Darna."
She said, "'Yung Darna story natin ngayon is a genesis story, a coming of age. Ang requirement talaga is somebody na young and with an air of innocence, but at the same time a strength of character."
"Ibibigay ko ang lahat"
Meanwhile, De Leon was overwhelmed with the support and messages of congratulations sent to her over the announcement.
The actress promised to work hard and give it her all for the role.
De Leon wrote on Instagram, "MARAMING MARAMING SALAMAT PO SA TIWALA! Pangako po na pagtratrabahuhan ko po ito at ibibigay ko ang lahat. #Narda #DARNA #SOON."
— Sally, The Summit Express
