Darna - History - 2009 TV Series

2009 TV Series

The first TV series was aired last 2005 with Angel Locsin as the lead role which made her a big star. GMA Network confirms that the rights of Darna is still theirs along with Captain Barbell and Dyesebel. Last January 2008, it was announced that GMA Network decided to make another version of the show but this time, it will be along with Captain Barbell. But due to schedule conflicts of Richard Gutierrez, everything was shelved. Angel Locsin, the first TV Darna, has transferred to ABS-CBN, the rival station of GMA Network in 2007.

GMA Network announced that the new styled Darna would be a mirror to Marian Rivera's personality, possibly featuring more comedy flavor into the drama plot. Rivera will also undergo mental and physical trainings. Also, Galvante confirmed that Captain Barbell, another Mars Ravelo's creation, is going to be shown in the series.

Marian Rivera will be starting her fighting routines with an expert on May 17, 2009. Unfortunately, it was postponed due to conflicts on schedule. She will also be soon trained on harness.

GMA Network, along with the Ravelo's copyright holders of the character, has unanimously chosen Marian Rivera as Darna. It was said by Wilma Galvante, the SVP for Entertainment TV, in an interview that the new Darna should be a real star because it is a prime role. The Ravelo's said in an interview that Marian Rivera is the sexiest and most beautiful actress to play Darna.

Marian Rivera's Darna costume was built by fashion designer Pepsi Herrera based on the style guide costume design created by artist Bong Leal.

Mark Herras was considered for the lead male role of Eduardo, but Mark Anthony Fernandez won the part.

The series features several prominent Filipino actors and actresses as the villains:

• Iwa Moto - Valentina was an outcast. She grew up longing for love. She will deceivingly befriend Narda and Eduardo.
• Ehra Madrigal - Babaeng Lawin (The Hawk Woman) is capable of commanding birds and possesses a deafening chirp.
• Francine Prieto - Babaeng Tuod (The Stump Woman) is an entity that can dictate the trees and plants to cause death.
• Maggie Wilson - Babaeng Linta (The Leech Woman) can mimic the appearance of anyone she touches.
• Roma as played by Nadine Samonte and her twin IMPAKTA or "IMPY" as played by Mura - Babaeng Impakta possesses an angelic face, but hiding a hideous monster on her back--her twin.
• Paolo Contis - Kobra is a half-human and half-serpent. He is greedy for power and he will manipulate all just to obtain what he wants.
• Katrina Halili - Serpina, Prinsesa ng mga Ahas, is the daughter of Kobra and Roma (Babaeng Impakta). She seeks to fulfill her promise to her father to join forces with her sister Valentina to increase the number of the race of the snake people.
• Jackie Rice - Helga, Ang Babaeng Demonyita, was a mortal possessed by a powerful demon with fire power.
• Rochelle Pangilinan - Deborah, Ang Babaeng Manananggal, is disguising as a doctor to get closer to pregnant women and easily victimize them.
• Ricky Davao - Dr. Morgan is a scientist from a family of experts. He is obsessed with creating the most powerful being, he has no other desire but to capture and make Darna his specimen.
• Polo Ravales - Shiro is the leader of a syndicate who will mess up with the life of Narda/Darna.
• Krissa Mae Arrieta - Liberty is the lady-boss of a syndicate who will mess up with the life Narda/Darna.