‘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 best Darna of them all! The original movie Queen & the first Darna- Rosa del Rosario in Darna at ang Babaing Lawin with Manuel Ubaldo as Ding.
Posted by Mars Ravelo's Darna the Superheroine on Monday, July 29, 2019
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
After Rosa Del Rosario, It took another 11 years until Darna returned to the silver screen, this time played by Liza Moreno in Si Darna at ang Impakta, hit theaters in 1963.
Posted by Mars Ravelo's Darna the Superheroine on Saturday, March 16, 2019
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
Eva Montes .
Posted by Mars Ravelo's Darna the Superheroine on Saturday, March 2, 2019
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
Gina Pareno
Posted by Mars Ravelo's Darna the Superheroine on Wednesday, March 13, 2019
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
Lorna Tolentino in DARNA The TV Series (1977)
Posted by Mars Ravelo's Darna the Superheroine on Saturday, July 20, 2019
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
At 18 Rio Locsin played Narda/ Darna in Bira, DARNA, Bira! 1979 Rio at the age of 16 appeared in 1977 Burlesk Queen, a Vilma Santos starrer, she was noticed for her acting talent and good looks.
Posted by Mars Ravelo's Darna the Superheroine on Saturday, August 15, 2020
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
Sharon 1986
Posted by Mars Ravelo's Darna the Superheroine on Monday, July 6, 2020
Megastar Sharon Cuneta appeared as Darna in the 1986 movie Captain Barbell, played by Edu Manzano.
Nanette Medved
A Philanthropist at heart ❤️ and a real life Darna. Nanette Medved, DARNA 1991
Posted by Mars Ravelo's Darna the Superheroine on Tuesday, July 28, 2020
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
Regine Velasquez (portrayed Darna in Captain Barbell, 2003) sang the theme song of DARNA 2005 series, "Di Na Nag-iisa" .
Posted by Mars Ravelo's Darna the Superheroine on Tuesday, August 18, 2020
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
