‘Darna’ through the years, from Rio Locsin to Sharon Cuneta, Marian Rivera and other fierce ladies
In case you missed it, Darna is set to fly again next year with Kapamilya star Jane de Leon taking on the lead role.
The well-known character first appeared in Ace Publications’ Pilipino Komiks #77 in May 1950. Since then, a myriad of film and TV adaptations of the Mars Ravelo masterpiece has been birthed.
For its latest remake, actress Liza Soberano got the part in 2019 but backed out due to finger injury.
While it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, ABS-CBN COO for Broadcast Cory Vidanes revealed at De Leon’s Star Magic contract signing yesterday, Dec. 4, that the highly anticipated project will push through in 2021.
As we wait for more details of their plans moving forward, let’s take a look back at all the fierce actresses who played Darna through the years.
Rosa del Rosario
The first Darna is Rosa del Rosario, who was in two films: Darna (1951) and Darna at Ang Babaeng Lawin (1952). After a remarkable acting career as “The Original Movie Queen,” she lost her life to pancreatic cancer in 2006 at 88 years old.
Liza Moreno
Produced by People’s Pictures Inc., Liza Moreno starred as Darna in the 1963 film Si Darna at Ang Impakta and 1964’s Isputnik vs. Darna where Nida Blanca played the role of Isputnik.
Eva Montes
Directed by Cirio H. Santiago, Darna at Ang Babaeng Tuod (1964) is the first Darna movie in full color, with Eva Montes as the main character.
Gina Pareño
In Darna at Ang Planetman (1969), Gina Pareño played the role of Darna, the first and only one to rock a blue costume instead of red. A young Narda was played by Gina Alajar.
Vilma Santos
“Ding, ang bato!” Does this line sound familiar to you? It was Vilma Santos who made it popular in four Darna films: Lipad, Darna, Lipad! (1973), Darna and The Giants (1974), Darna vs The Planet Women (1975), and Darna and Ding (1980).
Lorna Tolentino
At 14 years old, Lorna Tolentino played the role of Narda and Darna in Darna! The TV Series (1977) on RPN 9, sporting a one-piece instead of the usual bikini.
Rio Locsin
In 1979’s Bira, Darna, Bira, Rio Locsin starred as Darna alongside Romnick Sarmienta as Ding and Rez Cortez as her lover. To this day, Locsin continues to shine as a television actress.
Sharon Cuneta
Megastar Sharon Cuneta appeared as Darna in the 1986 movie Captain Barbell, played by Edu Manzano.
Nanette Medved
Nanette Medved stunned everyone as Darna in 1991. She’s now a superwoman in real life as the founder, chairman, and president of non-profit organization Generation HOPE, aimed at donating all of its proceeds to the construction of public school classrooms.
Anjanette Abayari
Anjanette Abayari played the role of Darna in Darna! Ang Pagbabalik in 1994. She now shares narrated scripture readings on her YouTube channel.
Regine Velasquez
In 2003, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez amazed many with her acting talent in a Captain Barbell remake, featuring her husband Ogie Alcasid and actor Bong Revilla.
Angel Locsin
Filipinos loved Angel Locsin as Darna in 2005, where Velasquez lent her voice not only to the iconic “Darna!” line but also its theme song. Netizens have referred to her as a “real-life Darna” as she continues to use her power and influence for the good of others. Just last year, the actress made it to Forbes Asia’s list of Heroes of Philanthropy.
Marian Rivera
Apart from Marimar (2007) and Dyesebel (2008), Marian Rivera also became famous for her Darna role in GMA 7’s 2009 TV remake.
Photos from Mars Ravelo's Darna the Superheroine Facebook page
