MANILA — “It’s all in the eyes,” said Denise Laurel, after a snake-fearing Boy Abunda shuddered from the actress’ take on the serpent-haired villain Valentina.

Laurel even had on a head piece resembling Valentina’s iconic depiction in the Mars Ravelo comics, as she took Abunda’s challenge to “audition” for the role in Star Cinema’s upcoming “Darna” movie.

Laurel drew cheers in the studio of “Tonight with Boy Abunda” with her portrayal of Darna’s nemesis, as shown in the talk show’s Thursday episode.

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The challenge came in light of Abunda’s earlier question whether she wanted to try out for the role of Darna in the film. While she admires the character, as well as the actresses who had played her before, Laurel would much rather be Black Darna or Valentina on screen.

“Darna,” the movie, will be directed by Jerrold Tarog of the “Heneral Luna” fame. Star Cinema has yet to announce the actress who will take on the title role, after the exit of Angel Locsin and Liza Soberano due to their respective health condition.

Laurel appeared on “Tonight with Boy Abunda” to promote her upcoming “Ipaglaban Mo” episode to be aired on Saturday, as well as her regular stint in the primetime series “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.”