This year, Darna made a comeback. In 2011, Captain Barbell will once again soar the skies.

In a story conference held yesterday, December 13, the Pinoy superhero's return is slated for GMA-7's first quarter presentation.

And as previously reported, joining Richard Gutierrez this time will be not just two but six leading ladies.

The names of Survivor Celebrity castaways Solenn Heusaff and Michelle Madrigal came up, and Sam Pinto and Frencheska Farr. This will be the acting debut of both Solenn and Frencheska for a primetime soap. Completing the list will be Isabel Oli and Bianca King.

Bela Padilla, who was originally announced as one of the female leads, was moved to another soap, Machete, which will star Aljur Abrenica together with Ryza Cenon.

Lovi Poe, as clarified by her manager Leo Dominguez, will still be part of Captain Barbell. However, she has to finish the currently-airing Little Star, which has the same taping schedule—Monday, Wednesday and Friday—as Captain Barbell.

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE CAST. GMA-7's child wonder Jillian Ward will play Richard's kid sidekick. Batangas board member Christopher de Leon will be joining the cast as well.

Three more Survivor castaways—Sole Survivor winner Akihiro Sato, Jon Hall, and Ervic Vijandre—will be part of the series.

One Paulo was dropped, and replaced by another Paolo. Originally mentioned Paulo Avelino is out of the series as he is reportedly being eyed to play the leading man of tween star Louise delos Reyes in Alakdana. Paolo Paraiso will be one of the villains that also include Jon and Ervic.

The project will be directed by Dominic Zapata.