ABS-CBN Acquires the Rights to Darna

DARNA is now a Kapamilya, as ABS-CBN has acquired the rights to the iconic, classic comicbook character; Mars Ravelo’s DARNA. ABS-CBN signed a deal with the late Mars Ravelo’s daughter Rita Ravelo-de la Cruz and son Rex Ravelo, for exclusive rights to the komiks creation. According to ABS-CBN News, aside from “Darna,” the deal with the Ravelos granted the network exclusive rights to their father’s other well-loved works, like “Dyesebel,” “Captain Barbell” and 10 other titles that are yet to be specified.

The report further notes that while the network had the liberty to choose who would play Darna, the family would be consulted when it came to “creative decisions.” That, he said, would have to be a collaboration. [read the entire article after the jump]

DARNA is probably the most popular Pinoy superhero, with numerous iterations spanning from the 1950's early Pinoy cinema, with the films Darna (1951) and Darna at ang Babaing Lawin (1952), till the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, and up till now. The GMA Network previously owned the rights to Darna, and ran a TV series in 2009 with Marian Rivera as the titular character.

There is no official word as of yet if ABS-CBN is planning a new movie for Darna, or a TV series... or both. The louder buzz in the entertainment scene seems more concerned over which actress will be playing the iconic character.

So far, the speculations run wide for who the next Darna would be. The names that came up include Jessy Mendiola, Bea Alonzo, Anne Curtis, Erich Gonzales, Iya Villania, Iza Calzado, Julia Montes, KC Concepcion, Kim Chiu, Maja Salvador and Cristine Reyes. Personally, I believe that what's more important is the direction, script, and story for this project. No matter who the Darna would be, if it's a lousy movie, then it would still be a bummer.

source: ABS-CBN