Liza Soberano confirms she’s new Darna

SCREENGRAB from Liza Soberano/Instagram

After months of speculation, Liza Soberano confirmed that she is replacing Angel Locsin as Darna.

The American-Filipino star told ABS-CBN that she had finally decided to “swallow the stone” and portray the iconic super-heroine for Star Cinema’s upcoming film, which will be directed by Erik Matti. “Yes, it is confirmed. Tinatanggap ko na ang role na Darna (I am accepting the role of Darna),” she revealed.

A number of actresses have worn Darna’s red-and-golden suit in previous soaps and films, including Vilma Santos, Gina Pareño, Anjanette Abayari and Marian Rivera, who took off as Darna for the small screen in 2009.

Locsin, who played Mars Ravelo’s character in 2005,  was supposed to reprise her role for the project but eventually begged off due to her back injury. Instead, Locsin paid tribute to the super-heroine on Instagram and gave her blessing to the next pick for the role.

LOOK: Angel Locsin pays tribute to Darna

“Though it did not go as planned, it was still an amazing journey. Darna embodies the heart, resilience, and hope of a Filipina and it was a pleasure to have played her. I now entrust the reins to the next lucky lady who will have the time of her life portraying the role,” Locsin wrote then.

Soberano, 19, was also tapped to play Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach for an upcoming episode of ABS-CBN’s “Maalaala Mo Kaya.”  Gianna Francesca Catolico /ra

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