Jane De Leon is ABS CBN’s New Darna

After getting two actresses skipping the part, it looks like third times the charm for the still-in-development-limbo Darna movie by Star Cinema. And this time we have a fresh actress to play the part of the silver age superhero Wave Darna in the form of Jane De Leon.

ABSCBNNewsbroke the story today with quotes coming from Olivia Lamasan and new Darna director Jerold Tarrog.

Lamasan was quoted saying “We have found a new Darna and she is none other than Jane de Leon!”

Lamasan confirmed that there was over 300 actresses who auditioned for the role before it ultimately ended up with De Leon.

Pinresent na si Jane sa amin a couple of years ago, and among all the 13 noon na Mr. M (Johnny Manahan) presented from Star Magic, natatandaan ng isang talent handler na ‘Inang. napansin mo na siya noon, itong batang ito pwedeng sumali ng beauty pageants. And then I saw her again in ‘Halik.’ Sabi ko, ‘itong batang to, meron.’ There’s something about her,

After Tarrog’s presentation of the final candidates to play the Mars Ravelo creation, Lamasan had stated:

Natuwa nga ako na isa siya sa mga nag-audition. Sabi ko ay there’s something about her. Pati si Direk Lauren (Dyogi) said there’s something about her. Bilang filmmakers, may nakikita kami.

Regarding the story of the new Darna movie, Lamasan added:

Yung Darna story natin ngayon is a genesis story, a coming of age. Ang requirement talaga is somebody na young and with an air of innocence but at the same time a strength of character.

Two actresses were previously attached to play the role of Darna/ Narda namely Angel Locsin (who played Darna back when she was still with GMA) and Liza Soberano who tearfully turned down the role after getting injured. Director Erik Matti was also announced to direct the project but ultimately left to pursue other projects.