The full trailer for 'Darna' is out! Here are all the details we noticed
The first full trailer for the upcoming Mars Ravelo's Darna television series has finally been unveiled.
Helmed by none other than Chito S. Roño, the series stars Jane De Leon as the titular superhero, Darna / Narda Custodia. She is joined by Joshua Garcia as her love interest Brian, Zaijian Jaranilla as her brother and loyal sidekick Ding, and Janella Salvador as the villainous serpentine nemesis Valentina.
The three-minute trailer, released on Thursday evening, July 7, held nothing back in terms of mind-blowing action sequences and special effects, that netizens were all praises for the visuals and the stars of the show on Twitter.
All the hype leading to this trailer makes sense. The cinematic visuals, the intense drama, the handsomely-choreographed action sequences, & the entire new vision of this new adaptation simply make Darna extra-ordinary. What a solid spring board for Jane de Leon! #DarnaTrailer pic.twitter.com/fSHB46TM9r
— KPEx Official π« (@OfficialKpex) July 7, 2022
While watching the trailer, I've got chills as in talaga. It was more unexpected than I expected. Grabe mala-hollywood ang dating. Can't wait to watch it na! Iba talaga pag ABS-CBN, world class talaga. #DarnaTrailer https://t.co/L0aKck8oyU
— Mjei_Sensei14 (@MJosephBicaldo) July 7, 2022
Let's take a deep dive at the clues in the much-awaited trailer and see how netizens online reacted to it.
The trailer begins with Leonor, played by Iza Calzado, training her daughter Narda with combat skills in what looks like rocky terrain in the mountains. The sequence may remind viewers of the 2017 DC film Wonder Woman, where Diana also underwent intense training to become a skilled Amazon warrior.
After failing to surpass her mother, Narda begins to doubt herself, but her mother reassures her that while she may not have the strength yet, her heart is in the right place. This could be seen when Narda later helps Brian defend himself from some bullies, which leaves him impressed by her skills (and a little bit lovestruck maybe?)
The trailer then cuts to a shooting star falling from the sky, which is revealed to be creatures that want invade the Earth.
Instead of Narda swallowing the white stone and taking action, it's her mother who saves the day as the "first" Darna.
Twitters users took to the social media platform to share how Calzado "owned" the role of Darna and recalled how she was originally going to be cast as the superhero back in its 2005 series by GMA Network, but the role went to Angel Locsin instead. This was because of the requirement that Calzado had to lose weight for the role.
One user shared how he thinks Calzado would do just as great as Locsin in playing the character.
"Angel Locsin did a perfectly great job as Darna before, but I think Iza Calzado would’ve done just as great as Angel Locsin for the role of Darna. But it just feels so great to see Iza Calzado as the first Darna in this remake," he said.
Angel Locsin did a perfectly great job as Darna before but I think Iza Calzado would’ve done just as great as Angel Locsin for the role of Darna.
— ππππππ (@BayaniMark_) July 7, 2022
But it just feels so great to see Iza Calzado as the first Darna in this remake.
Watch Iza’s interview here:https://t.co/ujWGsJeWYT
"Honestly, Ms. Iza Calzado is, indeed, a perfect DARNA tbh. Based on the trailer, I think she really owned it. I can also see the AMIHAN we loved back then. Sana magkaroon ng back story ang Unang Darna at si Miss Iza Calzado ang bida. Sobrang lakas maka-WONDER WOMAN!" another user wrote.
Honestly, Ms. Iza Calzado is, indeed, a perfect DARNA tbh. Based on the trailer, I think she really owned it. I can also see the AMIHAN we loved back then.
— Dra. Gail ππΊπ· (@itscrystal_gail) July 7, 2022
Sana magkaroon ng back story ang Unang Darna at si Miss @MissIzaCalzado ang bida. Sobrang lakas maka-WONDER WOMAN!
After finding out that her mother is secretly a superhero, Narda is then tasked with being the next protector of the white stone—the source of Darna's powers. But she later finds out that the responsibility may come a little bit too soon as her mother perishes at the hands of the enemy.
The next clips show what's in store for Narda as she prepares to become her alter ego.
As the villains keep popping up and wreaking havoc in various parts of the country, the trailer show how Narda is now a medic and works with Brian, who has become a police officer.
Oh, and there's also a Joshua Garcia topless scene, in case you're interested in that.
The trailer also teases the appearance of Valentina's snake form.
In a surprising turn of events, instead of De Leon's Darna being the hot topic among Twitter users, it's actually Salvador's portrayal of Valentina that's being talked about and praised. Many users posted that they would be a "Valentina apologist".
"Janella once again proves to us what the power she holds! She never fails to amaze me with her acting skills and fierceness!! Shettt I am now a Valentina apologist," one user wrote.
Janella once again proves to us what the power she holds! She never fails to amaze me with her acting skills and fierceness!! Shettt I am now a Valentina apologist. @superjanella
— mikmik (@DnbllJsh) July 7, 2022
JOSHNELLA SA DARNA#JoshNella #Valentina #DarnaTheTVSeries #DarnaTrailer
Others noted how Salvador stole the entire show for them.
"This is The Janella Salvador. No lines, just pure facial expressions. She literally steals the show. You just gave justice to the most iconic villain in Philippine television, my best actress," one user posted.
This is The Janella Salvador. No lines, just pure facial expressions. She literally steal the show.
— πππππ (@diazalicia13) July 7, 2022
You just gave justice to the most iconic villain in the Philippine television, my best actress. @superjanella π€#DarnaTrailer pic.twitter.com/4s7XJuWhla
The trailer builds up with well-rehearsed action scenes and intense music until Narda finally gets the courage to swallow the white stone and yell "DARNA!"
Considered to be one of the biggest projects of ABS-CBN for 2022, Mars Ravelo's Darna the series is set to air this August.
Watch the full trailer here: