Liza Soberano is no longer Darna

FILE: “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you. #DarnaTraining” (Photo: @lizasoberano/Instagram)

Months after Director Erik Matti announced his exit from the upcoming Darna movie, Kapamilya actress Liza Soberano follows her mentor and withdraws from the film as well, shocking fans with her announcement last Thursday, April 4.

The actress, who was cast as the lead in May 2017 to take over Angel Locsin and began filming in July 2018, reveals that a severe finger injury was her cause of resignation.

She tells the press, “For the past few weeks, we’ve decided that maybe it’s best if we don’t push through with [the film] because it might just be a hindrance for me to be able to do the stunts properly,” adding, “I know that it’s just a finger, but it’s a hindrance for me being unable to be confident in doing the scenes when I know I have hesitation in doing it because I have to take care of the finger,” referring to already undergoing two surgeries to improve the injury.

The 21-year-old is set for a third surgery in May.

Teary-eyed, she explains the pressure of fulfilling the role to its fullest potential, saying, “I wanted to give my management and my bosses the best Darna they can possibly have. It was really hard but I realized that maybe this is the best thing for me and also for them as well.” Concluding, the star states, “I just want to say sorry to them that I let them down.”

In response to Liza’s announcement, both ABS-CBN and Star Cinema release a joint statement headed by Corporate Communications Kane Errol Choa, saying that they “understand Liza’s condition, respect her decision, and wish her well on her recovery.” They also clarify, “Meanwhile, the preparation for the ‘Darna’ movie continues as ABS-CBN and Star Cinema remain fully committed in telling the well-loved story of the Filipina superheroine and have started the selection process for the new actress who will bring the iconic character to life on the big scene.”