Back to fantasy land

By Joseph Peter R. Conzalez

Marian Rivera will be the new Darna on television! This was confirmed by GMA-7 through Wilma Galvante, SVP for Entertainment. She made the official announcement in the presence of GMA Films top honcho Annette Gozon-Abrogar, fellow execs Lilybeth Rasonable and Marivin Arayata and the children of the late Darna creator Mars Ravelo.

Actually, this is a solo vehicle for Marian unlike in the original plan in which Darna is supposed to share the screen with Captain Barbell.

As Darna, Marian is aware of the role’s physical and emotional requirements.

“I was told I have to undergo a lot of physical training. I have to learn various fight routines and stay fit and in top shape because the costume is sexy. Apart from this, I also have to be prepared emotionally because Darna’s alter ego Narda is a mortal and I have to show her human side. I know this is a big challenge for me but I’m thrilled to the hilt.”

Interestingly, her perennial screen partner Dingdong Dantes will not be her love interest in her new telefantasya. The only confirmed co-star as of this writing is child wonder Robert “Buboy” Villar who will play Ding, Darna’s sidekick of a brother.

“It’s just fine with me if I have a new leading man in Darna. I’m open to work with any actor. I know that it’s for the benefit of my career and Dong’s too. After Marimar, Dyesebel and Tadyang, I feel that we also need to be paired with other stars to grow. I’ll surely miss Dingdong but he can be a guest in Darna if ever, right?”

It’s inevitable that she’ll be compared to those actresses who previously played Darna on screen, especially Angel Locsin who is considered one of her rivals when it comes to popularity.

“To be honest, I already have that in mind. But I don’t want to be affected. For me, this is just work and it is part of the job. As I’ve stated earlier, I’ll just do my best in order to come up with an accurate portrayal of Darna,” Marian seriously ends.