Jane de Leon (Image: Instagram/@imjanedeleon)
The long-awaited “Darna” film is no longer pushing through, according to a report from Inquirer Bandera.
The project from Star Cinema starring Jane de Leon has been scrapped because of the film’s big budget and the coronavirus pandemic, Bandera reported on Tuesday, Aug. 18, citing an unidentifed Star Cinema source.
The cancellation comes after director Jerrold Tarog had the entire film planned out.
“Organized at maplano na director si Jerrold. Lahat systematic. Kaya buong pelikula naplano na niya. Locked na lahat ng locations niya,” the source said.
(Jerrold is a director who is organized and plans well. Everything is systematic. That is why the whole film had already been planned. All his locations were locked [in].)
“Hindi sila pinayagang tumanggap ng ibang project para concentrated sa ‘Darna,’” the source added.
“Tapos dumating itong COVID-19 pandemic, walang shoot kaya nu’ng nag-decide ang Star Cinema na hindi na itutuloy, wala na rin ang suweldo.”
(They were not allowed to accept other projects to concentrate on “Darna.” Then the COVID-19 pandemic came and there were no shoots, which is why when Star Cinema decided not to continue, the salaries stopped too.)
The sum of P140 million had reportedly been spent and P100 million more was needed to complete the project.
The film experienced delays due to various reasons. Director Erik Matti dropped out in 2018, while Liza Soberano backed out as the lead in April 2019 due to a finger injury.
De Leon was pronounced as the titular character in July 2019.
Tarog is currently working on historical biopic “Quezon,” which will begin production in 2021, according to the report. Niña V. Guno /ra
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