Today’s generation of viewers will finally witness Darna come alive to manifest her superpowers, bare her humanity and love for family, and empower audiences with her bravery in ABS-CBN Entertainment’s “Mars Ravelo’s Darna” series that is set to premiere on Monday (August 15), 8 pm on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, Jeepney TV, and TV5.
“Ito na po ang pagkakataon namin para ipakita sa buong mundo ang pinaghirapan ng production, lahat ng cast, mapa-staff and directors. Matagal na rin po itong hinintay ng sambayanang Pilipino,” said lead star Jane de Leon who plays Narda Custodio and her superhuman alter-ego Darna.
“Maraming-marami po kayong aabangan pagdating sa effects, costumes, villains, at syempre sa bagong istorya ng ‘Darna,’” she promised at the Darna Grand Media Conference held last Monday (August 8).
The Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos gave a surprise video message at the event. “Yung pagiging Darna, relevant yan, lalo na ngayon na napupuno tayo ng challenges sa buhay. Ang karakter niya ay nagbibigay ng inspirasyon sa mga tao,” the multi-awarded actress, who starred in four Darna movies, said. “Jane, na sa’yo na ang bato! Pangalaan mo yang mabuti. Maging ehemplo ka ng henerasyon ngayon.”
The series will chronicle the life of Narda, an emergency medical technician (EMT) and a loving breadwinner to the Custodio family, who is destined to become the next protector of the powerful stone that enables her to transform into a superhero who has special abilities to help those in danger.
Joining Jane in this year’s most awaited program are Iza Calzado who plays Narda’s mother Leonor, the first Darna; Janella Salvador as vlogger and lawyer Regina and Darna’s mortal enemy Valentina; Joshua Garcia as a police officer named Brian; Zaijian Jaranilla as Narda’s geeky younger brother Ding.
Also part of the series are Paolo Gumabao, Rio Locsin, Richard Quan, Simon Ibarra, Jeffrey Santos, Eric Fructuoso, Levy Ignacio, and many more.
Darna’s modern-day TV adaptation, based on the creation of Pinoy comics legend Mars Ravelo, is directed by the Master Director Chito S. Roño, Avel Sunpongco, and Benedict Mique and produced by ABS-CBN’s JRB Creative Production unit.
Direk Chito shared good words about this generation’s Darna. “I’m very pleased not only that [Jane] she focused, not only that she concentrated, she has done very well as an actress for ‘Darna,’” complimenting Jane for how she has portrayed the role of the iconic superhero.
Viewers are eagerly awaiting the show’s premiere following several sightings of Darna’s character in various places culminating in the “DarnaCon” event last Saturday at Robinsons malls where the show’s cast got to meet and greet their fans. Its trailer, launched just last month, already earned almost 10 million views across ABS-CBN Entertainment’s social media platforms.
P-pop boy group BGYO was also announced to sing the official soundtrack of “Darna” titled “Patuloy Lang Ang Lipad” to be launched very soon.
The new series will air from Monday to Friday beginning August 15 at 8 pm on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, Jeepney TV, and TV5 and will also be available on Kapamilya Online Live, iWantTFC, and The Filipino Channel.