MANILA – Filmmaker Erik Matti was all praises for Kapamilya actress Liza Soberano who was chosen to portray the role of Darna in an upcoming movie adaptation.

This was the first time Matti spoke about Soberano since it was officially announced that she will replace Angel Locsin in the superhero project.

“Liza is a very determined girl. I think she’s really gonna do a really great Darna," Matti was quoted to have said in an article by the Philippine Star.

As its director, Matti said it is his job to come up with a superhero story that’s fresh and unique.

“I’m a big superhero fan since a kid, so I think I know how to go about pushing it for the local market,” he said. “Kasi ang daming Marvel stories eh kaya ayaw mong masabihan ng nangopya. It’s tough.”

While they have yet to start filming, Matti promises that the movie will feature big visual effects.

“The attempt with Darna is to really, really make it a real superhero movie. Fun, exciting, epic pero di siya nagpapa-joke-joke. Modern talaga. I think that’s the tough part, to execute it properly na elegante,” he said.

When asked who is being eyed to portray the snake goddess Valentina, Matti chose to be tight-lipped. Instead, he just said: "It will be a girl!”

The director also said they will be holding auditions for child actors for the role of Ding next week.

“Darna” will be produced by ABS-CBN’s film outfit, Star Cinema.