Marian Rivera as the New Darna

The new Darna is Marian Rivera, leading star of the successful TV series Marimar (Filipino version) - popularized by Mexican star Thalia, Dyesebel, and Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang (The Woman Pulled from My Rib) along with popular actor Dingdong Dantes - E! 2008 3rd Sexiest Man in the World.

In the new TV series Darna, Marian Rivera is paired with Mark Anthony Fernandez, son of former sex symbol Alma Moreno and late Rudy Fernandez (husband of dramatic star Lorna Tolentino). Marian’s sidekick Ding is portrayed by Robert Villar, the boy who played Buboy in Dyesebel.

Darna is a superheroine character created by Filipino comics writer Mars Ravelo in the 1950s. She is an outer space warrior manifesting herself through a girl from earth, named Narda, a village girl. In the beginning of the story, Narda finds a small white stone, a tiny meteorite from outer space (from planet Marte). Narda becomes a mighty warrior whenever she swallows the stone and shouts "Darna!". She defends the earth from evil forces. Darna is a combination of Superman and Wonder Woman because she can fly and among her powers are super strength, super speed, near invulnerable skin, and super vision. She uses her bracelets similar to Wonder Woman’s to deflect bullets.

In the 1950s, the superheroine quickly gained popularity among Filipino comic book readers. Since then, Darna has become a Philippine cultural icon and the most recognizable character among Ravelo's creations. Starting 1951, several Darna movies were made.

Actresses who have previously played Darna in the movies and on television are multi-awarded dramatic actress and politician Vilma Santos, Rio Locsin, Angel Locsin, Anjanette Abayari, Gina Pareno, another multi-awarded dramatic actress Lorna Tolentino, Regine Velasquez (plays Darna in Captain Barbell), Eva Montes, Nanette Medved, Katrina Halili as Black Darna (Katrina is lately involved in sex video scandal with Hayden Kho), Sharon Cuneta in Captain Barbell. Darna was also played in comedy films by actors Dolphy and late Chiquito.

Among Darna’s enemies (villains) are Valentina, the sultry snake goddess, Black Darna, Demonica, Dr. Zombie, Mambabarang (Warlock, king of insects), Braguda, Babaeng Tuod (the Woodwitch), The Giants, The Planet Women, The Planetmen, Impakta (Evil), Electra, Babeng Lawin (the Hawk Woman), Garda ang Babeng Linta (the leech woman) and many more.

The new TV series Darna was aired in August 10, 2009 on GMA Pinoy TV channel. This is Marian Rivera’s another blockbuster tv show.