MANILA, Philippines — Kapamilya actors Joshua Garcia and Zaijian Jaranilla joined the cast of the much-anticipated "Darna" series to be directed by box-office director Chito Roño.
Joshua will play the male lead next to the titular superheroine played by Jane De Leon while Zaijian will play the role of Ding, Darna's sidekick.
The cameras are set to roll in early November with director Chito, who is behind the hit Kapamilya series “Imortal,” “Lastikman,” and “Spirits,” now making a TV comeback after almost a decade to lead one of ABS-CBN’s biggest projects for 2022.
He is expected to take today’s audiences to the edge of their seats with his expertise in visual effects production and masterful storytelling for the adaptation of the heroine created by the late Mars Ravelo, whose 115th birth anniversary is commemorated on October 9.
The renowned director, who made his last TV show “Maria Mercedes” back in 2013, is also known for being the “master of scare” in the big screen. He had previously directed the hit horror flicks “Feng Shui” and “The Ghost Bride.” He also served as director of award-winning drama films “Dekada ‘70” and “Bata Bata Paano Ka Ginawa?”
Zaijian will breathe new life into the character of Ding, the younger brother and sidekick of the titular character, Darna/ Narda, portrayed by Jane. Joshua, a policeman and EMT named Brian, will be Narda’s love interest.
As previously announced, Iza Calzado (Leonor) is taking on the role of the first Darna, who is expected to pass the magical stone to her daughter Narda.
Joining the star-studded cast are Rio Locsin, Simon Ibarra, Levi Ignacio, Richard Quan, and Kiko Estrada. Also part of the series are Joj Agpangan, Zeppi Borromeo, Mark Manicad, Marvin Yap, Dawn Chang, Tart Carlos, L.A. Santos, Yogo Singh, Young JV and Gerard Acao.
Meanwhile, no actress has been named yet to play the role of the series’ supervillain, Valentina.