“Darna” will fly in 2021 as a TV series. ABS-CBN executives announced this last week in an event titled “Star Magic Shines On” wherein several talents renewed their contracts with the company.
“Tuloy na tuloy na po ang paglipad ni Darna. Ngayong 2021 na po ang Mars Ravelo’s ‘Darna: The TV Series,” said Cory Vidanes, ABS-CBN chief operating officer of broadcast.
She also announced that Jane de Leon will portray the iconic Filipino superheroine in the TV series during the event, wherein Jane renewed her contract with Star Magic.
“I’m overwhelmed by the happiness I feel. I am so excited for the next chapters of my life,” Jane said. “It’s another dream come true. I have so much gratitude for our bosses because until now, they still entrust me with Darna’s stone,” she added.
Apart from Jane, the artists who renewed their ties with ABS-CBN include Kim Chiu, Enchong Dee, JM De Guzman and Joseph Marco, Andrea Brillantes, Kira Balinger and Robi Domingo. They are joined by Star Hunt’s newest P-Pop groups, “BINI” and “SHA Boys.”
Kim, who led Star Cinema’s horror offering “U-Turn,” will star in a new series titled “Bawal Lumabas” under Dreamscape Entertainment set to be released on December 14. She is currently hosting “It’s Showtime” and can be watched regularly on “ASAP Natin ‘To.”
“Pinoy Big Brother Connect” host, actor and entrepreneur Enchong will star in an upcoming inspirational series titled “Huwag Kang Mangamba” with Andrea, Francine Diaz, Kyle Echarri, and Seth Fedelin.
JM, who last starred in “Pamilya Ko,” is geared to be back on television in the series “Init sa Magdamag” with Gerald Anderson and Yam Concepcion in 2021. He is also set to star in a Star Cinema movie.
Meanwhile, Joseph, who recently joined the “Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin” cast, is in two Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entries this year.
Robi is currently hosting “Pinoy Big Brother Connect” and “Game KNB?”
Kira, who plays Hope in “Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin,” also signed up with Star Magic. She will star in a teleserye and online project with Grae Fernandez soon.
Girl group “BINI” and boy group “SHA Boys” also signed up to be part of Star Magic. Comprising “BINI” are Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena; while the “SHA Boys” include Gelo, Mikki, Akira, Nate and JL.
ABS-CBN chairman Mark Lopez thanked the artists for their trust and expressed optimism for the coming year.
“As a new year is about to begin, we remain hopeful and positive with our artists, our ABS-CBN leaders, our employees, and most especially our loyal followers. We know we will be able to soar to new heights as we continue to serve the Filipinos worldwide,” he said.
ABS-CBN president and chief executive officer Carlo Katigbak, on the other hand, emphasized that being a Kapamilya is not just a job but a calling to serve.
“Today, I want to thank the stars who represent ABS-CBN to the world outside. Kayo ang nagbibigay ng liwanag at ligaya sa ating mga Kapamilya. Thank you for choosing to be part of our mission, thank you for believing in our company, and thank you for supporting us in our most difficult moments,” Katigbak said.
Katigbak ended his speech by introducing Laurenti Dyogi as the new head of Star Magic who also expressed his gratitude to the Kapamilya artists who stayed and signed up with the talent agency.
“Star Magic is known to produce, to hone, and to manage the brightest and most talented stars in Philippine show business, and today we continue this legacy and tradition,” said Dyogi, who assumes his new role in Star Magic starting January 2021 concurrent to his current position as head of TV Production.
“As we welcome new artists to the Star Magic family, we also want to express our deepest gratitude to the Star Magic artists who chose to stay with us as we continue to rebuild and explore new opportunities,” he added.