Director Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge!, The Great Gatsby) has cast Cuban and Jamaican singer-songwriter Herizen Guardiola as the female lead in, “The Get Down,” his upcoming Netflix series that takes a look at 1970s New York just as hip-hop is beginning to take form.
Guardiola will portray Mylene Cruz, who’s described as a “shining, tenacious girl with a voice from God who dreams of disco stardom from the confines of her family’s fiercely religious church walls.” Also joining Guardiola in the cast will be Justice Smith, Shameik Moore, Skylan Brooks and Tremaine Brown Jr.
“So many really talented actors were seen to play the lead female role of Mylene Cruz, daughter of Rev. Ramon Cruz and niece of Papa Filipe Fuerte Cruz in ‘The Get Down,’ ” Luhrmann said. “It’s always thrilling to find a fresh, unknown talent, particularly one who is not only a terrific actor but a magnificent vocalist. The entire ‘The Get Down’ team welcome Herizen Guardiola into our story.”
Luhrmann will helm the director’s chair for the series’ first two episodes and season finale in addition to serving as executive producer. Other executive producers of the series include Catherine Martin, Paul Watters, Thomas Kelly, Stephen Adly Guirgis, Shawn Ryan and Marney Hochman.
“The Get Down” is scheduled to debut on Netflix in early 2016.
