Angel Locsin withdraws from playing Darna

Angel Locsin. Image: Screen grab from Angel Locsin’s Instagram account

Angel Locsin, ABS-CBN and Star Cinema have all agreed that she will no longer reprise the role of Darna in a forthcoming movie sequel due to health issues.

In an interview with ABS-CBN’s MJ Felipe on Monday, Star Cinema Managing Director Malou Santos confirmed the heartbreaking news, citing Locsin’s health condition.

“Sobrang nalungkot kasi nung una, nung nalaman namin na mayroon siyang problema sa likod, sinabihan na namin siya na she cannot play Darna. But, because deep in our hearts [we know] na siya lang ang pwedeng maging Darna, we gave her the chance and she promised to do the therapy na magpapagaling siya para sa kanyang likod,” Santos said.

(I was deeply saddened because at first, when we knew that she had a back problem, we immediately told her that she could not play Darna. But because we knew that she was the only one who could play Darna, we gave her the chance and she promised to undergo therapy that could remedy her back ailment.)

“Pero unfortunately, three weeks ago, nakaramdam na naman siya ng pain sa likod. So ito na ang pinaka-final verdict na she cannot play Darna kasi mas importante ang buhay niya kaysa sa pelikula na Darna. So ang iisipin ko na lang at least napatunayan niya yung dedikasyon niya sa craft niya,” she added.

(But unfortunately, three weeks ago she experienced back pain again. So, our final verdict is that she cannot play Darna because her life is more important than the movie. So, what I’ll think is that at least, she was able to prove her dedication to her craft.)

ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak, however, gave the assurance that despite her not playing the role of Darna, fans will still be able to see Locsin in other Kapamilya projects.

“She’s still one of our biggest stars so marami pa siyang gagawin sa ABS-CBN bilang isang Kapamilya (She will still have many projects to do for ABS-CBN),” he said.

Locsin, for her part, resignedly said, “Kailangan ko lang isipin ang buhay ko muna, kasi hindi po ako pinayagan ng doktor ko. Pero I tried, ABS-CBN tried, pero may mga bagay na kailangang i-let go para sa mas makakabuti. Ako tanggap ko na. Sana maintindihan din ng mga tao na hindi ko na magagawa ang Darna.”

(I have to think about my life first, since I was not permitted by my doctor [to do the role]. But I tried, ABS-CBN tried, but there are just things that we have to let go for a better outcome. I’ve accepted it. I hope people will accept, too, that I can no longer reprise Darna.)

ABS-CBN Head of Corporate Communications Kane Errol Choa also sent an official press release confirming Locsin’s withdrawal from the project. /ra

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Angel Locsin to reprise Darna role