- Jerrold Tarog replaced the original director Erik Matti last year
- A few months after Liza Soberano dropped the project, ABS-CBN announced that Jane de Leon will be the new Darna.
- De Leon bested 300 other hopefuls including Maris Racal, Julia Barretto, Loisa Andalio and many others
A few months after Liza Soberano backed out due to her finger injury, Jane De Leon was named as the new actress who will be playing Darna.
According to ABS-CBN Films managing director Olivia Lamasan, Jane was picked from over 300 celebrities who auditioned, including hopefuls from Star Magic, Starhunt, talent scouts, and agencies.
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Lamasan also said that she was unanimously voted by the ABS-CBN Films management to don the iconic superheroine costume.
In earlier reports, Darna director Jerrold Tarog described De Leon as an “instinctive” actress.
On Twitter a few hours after the announcement, Tarog explained their choice. “Glad it’s finally out. The execs wanted a new face for Darna & I was all for it. Thus, open auditions—newbies, celebs, chinita, mestiza, morena, etc basta 🇵🇭. The short list was a good mix but ultimately it was about who could carry the role. @Imjanedeleon was a unanimous choice,” he tweeted.
Glad it’s finally out. The execs wanted a new face for Darna & I was all for it. Thus, open auditions—newbies, celebs, chinita, mestiza, morena, etc basta 🇵🇭. The short list was a good mix but ultimately it was about who could carry the role. @Imjanedeleon was a unanimous choice. pic.twitter.com/6JY8sKcpgT
— Jerrold Tarog (@JerroldTarog) July 18, 2019
Tarog took over directorial duties in October 2018 after its original director Erik Matti dropped out of the project, followed by star Liza Soberano.