I bet the producers of Darna didn’t expect the project to have as much setback as it’s having right now. The main challenge for the much-awaited project, which was first announced in 2014, seems to be about finding the right people. Originally helmed by Erik Matti, director Jerold Tarrog took over the project last year. And while Angel Locsin was initially slated to reprise the role, she turned it down due to her spinal injury. It was then given to Liza Soberano who announced that she is backing down from the role too, also due to medical conditions.

According to ABS-CBN News, “In August 2018, the 21-year-old actress fractured her right index finger in an accident on the set of the now-defunct fantaserye Bagani. At the time, she was also juggling physical preparations for Darna.”

She further told the outlet that although she already had surgery twice and has been undergoing therapy, she’s still unable to move her finger as normally as the others, as the joint was damaged. “It’s a hindrance for me being able to be confident in doing the scenes na alam kong may hesitations ako when doing it, because I have to take care of the finger,” she said.

“I really wanted to do Darna. I invested so much time, so much effort. Physically, I felt like I was ready before the incident. I don’t want the project to suffer just because I don’t feel like I could give Darna the justice she deserves. Emotionally, that’s why I decided to withdraw from the project. I felt like hindi ako buo anymore to do Darna,” she said in an emotional interview. “Of course I wanted to give my management, my bosses, my best Darna that they could possibly have. But I kind of felt insecure about it na rin.”


Meanwhile, ABS-CBN and Star Cinema said in a statement that they “understand Liza’s condition, respect her decision, and wish her well on her recovery.” The film outfit also clarified that the Darna movie will push through, and that it has started the selection process for a new actress.

Maja Salvador and Nadine Lustre seems to be the netizens’ top choice.

But who do you think should play the role? Let us know in the comments section below.