After losing 'Darna' to Angel Locsin, Iza Calzado joins new 'Darna' TV series

MANILA, Philippines — Kapamilya actress Iza Calzado will join the cast of ABS-CBN series “Darna” starring Jane De Leon. 

In MJ Felipe’s Twitter account, the “TV Patrol” showbiz reporter said that ABS-CBN Head of TV Production Laurenti Dyogi revealed that Iza’s next project will be “Darna.”

“THIS JUST IN: ABS-CBN Head of TV Production Laurenti Dyogi just announced and shared during our interview with Iza Calzado that her next big project will be – DARNA,” MJ wrote. 

The ABS-CBN executive, however, didn’t mention the role of Iza in the upcoming series. 

Iza shared that she waited for this announcement for so long since 2017. Direk Lauren said that there will be a formal announcement and a big event for the DARNA project where Iza's role will be revealed. Jane De Leon will begin her taping as 'Darna', last quarter of 2021.

— MJ Felipe (@mjfelipe) August 12, 2021

According to MJ, Iza knew that she will be a part of “Darna” as early as 2017. 

“Iza shared that she waited for this announcement for so long since 2017. Direk Lauren said that there will be a formal announcement and a big event for the DARNA project where Iza's role will be revealed. Jane De Leon will begin her taping as 'Darna', last quarter of 2021,” MJ said. 

In an ABS-CBN press statement sent to Philstar.com, Iza confimed that in the new TV series, she will play Jane's mom and the first Darna that will transfer her superpowers to Jane. 

She revealed that she was offered to portray the Pinay superheroine when she was still with GMA Network, a role that later went to Angel Locsin in 2005.

“Finally, I can claim to be part of the Pinoy superhero history! I almost had the chance in the past, but God had other plans. I was not meant to be that Darna but he surely prepared me to play this Darna. Everything always happens in His perfect time,” she said in the statement.

As Narda’s (Jane) mom, Iza will be the first Darna in the series and will be the one to pass the magical stone that will transform Narda into the great Pinay superhero.

"I've waited long for this. There have been changes in the cast and directors and as Direk Lauren (Dyogi) said, I am the constant,” she said stating her readiness mentally, physically, and emotionally to take on the part.

The award-winning actress also shared how meaningful the ‘heroic’ role is for her during this crucial time. “At a time of great crisis, there has got to be a hero we can relate to—someone who brings out the best in us and a representation not only of our strong but loving and compassionate core.  A hero who has learned to embrace her strengths and weaknesses, knowing fully well that this only makes the light within brighter and allows for others to see and experience their own light,” said Iza. 

“That’s the Pandemic Darna for me—she will tap and bring out the hero in all of us, despite the odds. Even without the ABS-CBN franchise,” she added.

As announced last July, the TV series “Darna” will start taping in September after Jane’s exit in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.”