Whether it was the outcry from Latinos, most loudly heard in New York, that forced Netflix to look at including Latinos in Baz Luhrmann’s new project The Get Down, or maybe they intended include Latinos all along, yesterday’s announcement that Jimmy Smits has been cast in a key role was received with excitement all around.
Coming off of playing Nero Padilla, a favorite in the popular hit series Sons of Anarchy, this next role for Smits could turn out to be another audience favorite.
In Luhrmann’s dramatic series is set in the South Bronx circa 1970’s at the height of hip hop, Smits will play Francisco Cruz, “Papa Fuerte” a politician from the South Bronx who provides housing, jobs, heathcare and other services the City does not. Papa Fuerte plays an important role both in the politics and in the South Bronx neighborhood where he might one day be dealing with the disco scene or immigrant struggles.
“The Puerto Rican culture of the ’70’s Bronx plays such a large role in the story we are telling that the character of Papa Fuerte had to be played by an actor who could bring experience, gravitas and authenticity to the role,” Luhrmann said told Deadline. “I know our entire cast is excited to have someone of Jimmy’s talent joining us on the journey we are undertaking. We are thrilled to have him on The Get Down.”
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