It will take some time before we hear Narda ask Ding for the magical stone because “Darna” will not be completed nor be hitting the big screens anytime soon with its production officially postponed.
ABS-CBN, the owner of the rights of “Darna” announced this through a statement on Friday, August 21.
According to the network, it has decided to “postpone the film production indefinitely after careful deliberation on the impact of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic on movie production and cinemas.”
Lots of industries are hit by the health protocols and limitations because of the virus, with the entertainment and production industry being one of these.
ABS-CBN said that it is committed to following production guidelines under the new normal and the safety of the actors and production team is a top priority.
“However, because the movie requires complex logistics, crowd shoes, and fight scenes that involve physical contact, it will be difficult to give justice to the superhero film while strictly adhering to the guidelines,” it further said.
“We are still in the midst of the an unprecedented health crisis that makes it also difficult to assess when cinemas will recover and see audiences returning,” it added.
The network ended its statement by thanking all its people that worked hard for the project and people are still supporting it.
“Darna” has undergone major production changes ever since it was first announced with 2014. It was helmed by director Erik Matti and the Filipina superhero was supposed to be played by Angel Locsin, who also go the role in the GMA teleserye before.
However, due to a back injury, Locsin had to drop out a year later.
[READ: Angel Locsin sustains injury, can no longer play Darna]
In 2017, Liza Soberano was announced to fly as Darna.
The next year, Matti also stepped out of the project because of creative differences. Jerrold Tarog took over shortly.
[READ: Erik Matti will no longer direct new ‘Darna’ film]
The major changes did not stop as Soberano, in 2019, also gave up the ‘magical stone’ because of a finger injury.
[READ: Liza Soberano is no longer Darna]
ABS-CBN launched a search for the next Darna and in July, it announced Jane De Leon as the new artist to take over the role of the iconic superhero.
[READ: Star Cinema opens Darna role to public auditions]
[READ: Jane de Leon named new Darna]
De Leon, in an Instagram post, said that she was saddened by this decision but she understands what is supposed to be the priority during the COVID-19 crisis.
“Thank you so much for the support & understanding. Let’s pray for everyone’s safety. God Bless!” she wrote.