Entertainment

Original “Darna” director reveals his pick as Liza Soberano’s replacement

Erik Matti, the former director of the modern adaptation of “Darna”, has spoken up about the recent withdrawal of Liza Soberano from the highly-anticipated movie project.

In an interview with Ricky Lo for Philippine Star, Matti said that Soberano’s portrayal of Darna would have been a “fresh and exciting” take on the iconic Filipina superheroine.

“She’s young and embodies a lot of potential to create a modern take for this classic superhero character,” he said.

However, fans will no longer see Soberano swallow Darna’s white stone and don her iconic red costume as she has already backed out of the film due to a severe finger injury.

When asked who he thinks would be a perfect replacement for Soberano, Matti said that he prefers actress Nadine Lustre to take over the role.

“After [Liza] I only see Nadine Lustre so far as someone who can be Darna. Very sultry. She has a lot of female sensuality and at the same time still looks tough and very Filipina,” Matti said.

“The key to casting Darna has always been someone who can look plain and ordinary in her Narda alter ego but can be tough, spunk and can be very sexy as well when she transforms to Darna. Nadine can look all of that,” he said.

Lustre has been one of the top choices of fans to be the next Darna, alongside Pia Wurtzbach, Maja Salvador, Yassi Pressman, Jessy Mendiola, and Kathryn Bernardo.

Matti was originally the director of Darna but eventually resigned due to “creative differences”. He was replaced by “Heneral Luna” director Jerrold Tarog.

For her part, Lustre said that she is flattered that she is being considered to play Darna.

“I super appreciate that. For them to see me as a person who is strong and very empowered –Darna is a strong woman and nakikita nila sa akin ‘yun, it’s good,” she said.

Lustre did not mention if she is interested in playing Darna, but she mentioned that the role should go to someone “who is deserving” and “who can really give [it] justice.”

It seems like Lustre truly fits the superheroine image as Mico Suayan, one of the Marvel illustrators behind Wave, also previously revealed that the actress was his inspiration behind the visuals of Marvel’s first Filipina superhero.

There are no reports yet on who will play the next Darna but Star Cinema said that they are now looking for Soberano’s replacement.

Staff Report

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