“Darna” star Jane de Leon is looking forward to finally donning the superheroine’s costume and start filming the movie, after having read its script and learning that its cast is nearly complete.

“Iyong cast, balita ko, nakukumpleto na. Excited na ako ma-meet sila!” the 21-year-old actress said on Tuesday, in an interview with ABS-CBN News’ MJ Felipe.

De Leon said filming is expected to start in 2020 at ABS-CBN’s Horizon sound stages in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

De Leon meantime continues to undergo physical training for the coveted role, particularly to put on muscle weight and to perform certain stunts in the Star Cinema project.

“Sobrang hirap!” she said. “Ang in-expect ko mahirap siya, pero mas mahirap pa pala.”

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A post shared by J A N E (@imjanedeleon) on Nov 15, 2019 at 8:38pm PST

Aside from preparing physically, equally important for de Leon is readying herself mentally for the demands of the role, and the pressure that comes with it.

“Mentally, nakaka-pressure, kasi siyempre, everyone nag-e-expect sa akin. But it’s okay, nandiyan naman ang family and friends ko, especially the management to guide me. ‘Pag nagwo-worry ako, nagpe-pray lang ako para mawala,” she said.

De Leon also found a confidant in fellow Star Magic talent Liza Soberano, who was previously attached to the project as the titular actress until she was forced to withdraw due to an injury.

Recalling Soberano’s advice during a dinner they recently had, de Leon said: “Stay positive and don’t mind ‘yung mga negative comments. It’s normal naman sa industry natin. Sinasabi naman niya sa akin palagi na nandiyan siya for me, and kung may mga questions ako, tini-text ko lang siya at nag-uusap kami.”

Her director, Jerrold Tarog (“Heneral Luna,” “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral”), has similarly been a source of assurance and motivation, de Leon said.

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