ANGEL Locsin will no longer play the iconic Filipina character "Darna."
This was officially announced by ABS-CBN and Star Cinema due to the actress' medical condition.
According to the Kapamilya Network, Locsin resumed her training for the movie after undergoing surgery and therapy for the disc bulge in her spine last year, but she still experienced back pain twice during training.
Her doctor then prohibited the actress from doing any strenuous activities to avoid permanent damage on her spine.
"We would have loved to see Angel fly again as Darna and take our hats off to her for the gargantuan efforts she has put in for the project," the statement reads.
Locsin, on her part, said she's saddened by this latest development, but still thankful for the love and support shown by fans and her mother network.
"Nababasa ko yung mga comments ng mga tao, ng mga sumusuporta and gustong gusto ko sanang gawin for them, pero hindi na siguro talaga kaya. Kailangan ko ng bitawan," she said.
"Darna" director Erik Matti said it is unfortunate that Locsin will no longer pursue the character, but he believes it is the best decision as the project will require a lot of physical work from the actor.
"Yung project talaga entails a lot of physical requirement from the actor. There's going to be a harness, a lot of fight. Ayaw lang namin mag risk kasi kawawa din siya. Sayang lang because she could have been a very good 'Darna," he said.
Locsin, meanwhile, assured the public that she's doing okay and could still accept action roles, but not as what is required in "Darna."
She will also be doing a special project with John Lloyd Cruz in "La Luna Sangre," two movies with James Reid and Coco Martin, separately, and a new teleserye.
"Okay naman ako. Hindi naman ako baldado. Makakagawa pa naman ako ng mga action projects. Hindi lang yung same requirement as Darna."
As of this posting, ABS-CBN and Star Cinema are yet to announce who will take on the role of "Darna." (SunStar Philippines)