An ill-fated Darna project?

CEBU, Philippines — Almost seven years in the making and still no final flight in sight for Star Cinema’s “Darna” film reboot that has been facing one abandonment after another.

First there was its beloved original star giving up on the superheroine role due to a slipped disc. A new “millennial” Darna was found, but months later saw the resignation of its director allegedly due to creative differences, and shoot postponements blamed on “script revisions.”

Yet another setback was announced Thursday as its titular lead surprisingly quit the project, tearing up on television while apologizing to her fans for “letting them down.”

Liza Soberano, 21, revealed her decision to pull out of the “Darna” movie after she no longer felt capable to perform stunts and other physical requirements due to a 2018 finger injury that has yet to heal despite two surgeries and constant therapy.

An official statement from ABS-CBN and Star Cinema said that they “regretfully announce their acceptance of Liza Soberano’s decision to withdraw from the ‘Darna’ movie project due to medical reasons.”

It said that the actress suffered a finger bone fracture while doing a fight scene on the set of the primetime series “Bagani” last year.

“She is still undergoing treatment and recovering from the trauma. Unfortunately, after consultation with her doctors, it was deemed best for Liza not to pursue the project as the injury shall hamper her from effectively doing the movie stunts required. ABS-CBN and Star Cinema understands Liza’s condition, respect her decision, and wish her well on her recovery,” the statement further said.

With that, the search for a new Darna has been in full swing.

“Meanwhile, the preparation for the ‘Darna’ movie continues as ABS-CBN and Star Cinema remain fully committed in telling the well-loved story of the Filipina superheroine and have started the selection process for the new actress who will bring the iconic character to life on the big screen.”

As showbiz fans and spectators throw in suggestions on who should replace Liza for the plum part – some insisting it be given back to the production’s first choice of Angel Locsin or citing the likes of Nadine Lustre and Sarah Geronimo for their Pinay looks, and still some proposing to wait for Miss Universe Catriona Gray’s reign to end then crown her the next Darna – renowned singer-actress Lea Salonga was among those who chimed in on the discussion.

“So, what would I love to see as Darna?” the Broadway star posted on her Twitter account. “Someone morena or kayumanggi to represent the darker-skinned Pinays to let them know they are powerful and beautiful exactly as they are. I’d also love for her to be a relative unknown. Let the story sell the film. That is all.”

Erik Matti, the film’s first director, expressed surprise at Liza’s decision, saying she would have been great for the part.

“I wish you all the best. Definitely, there’s life after Darna. Take care always, Hope,” said Matti, calling Liza by her first name. “Don’t cry no more.”

Jerrold Tarog (“Confessional,” “Heneral Luna,” “Bliss,” “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral”), who took over directorial duties from Matti, responded to a netizen who jested he might leave next. “Hindi naman. Busy pa din kami. They informed me about Liza’s decision weeks ago. I was quite sad about it, but her health is more important. Abangan niyo na lang kung sino ang bagong Darna.”

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, a dejected Liza explained the extent of her injury and how she came to the difficult decision.

“I’ve been undergoing therapy. I had surgery twice na po. We’ve been trying to fix it, but lately, these past few weeks, we’ve decided na maybe it’s best if I don’t push through with it, because baka maging hindrance lang po siya for me to be able to do the stunts properly,” said Liza, who was supposed to star in her first film without perennial leading man and real-life boyfriend Enrique Gil.

“I really wanted to do Darna. I invested so much time, so much effort. Physically, I felt like I was ready before the incident. I don’t want the project to suffer just because I don’t feel like I could give Darna the justice she deserves. Emotionally, that’s why I decided to withdraw from the project. I felt like hindi ako buo anymore to do ‘Darna.’”

She continued, “I was scared na I wouldn’t look as good doing my stunts because of the way my finger looks, and I’m not sure na babalik siya sa dati, na I would be able to make a fist. Of course, I wanted to give my management, my bosses, my best Darna that they could possibly have. But I kind of felt insecure about it na rin.”

In the end, Liza expressed gratitude to Star Cinema for supporting her decision.

“They were also very hopeful that I would be able to do the project, but they understood my situation, and I’m glad that they are very supportive. They’re inspiring me, because they told me that I’m going to have other projects naman after. Akala ko if I backed out of Darna, I wouldn’t have a job anymore. They told me na just because I’m not doing Darna anymore, doesn’t mean I’m any less of an artist to them.”

Liza’s manager Ogie Diaz, in an effort to console her prized ward, reminded her of the oft-repeated phrase: When a door closes, a window opens.

“Pag may nawawala, may dumarating. Kapag hindi ukol, hindi bubukol. Kapag para sa ‘yo, para sa ‘yo. At maniwala ka, marami pang darating na opportunity sa ‘yo. Kasi talented ka, mahusay kang umarte, mabait ka at mabuti kang tao, kaya hindi ka pababayaan ni Lord.”