Remy Danton
All Star
Actor-musician Jaden Smith (After Earth) has joined the cast of Baz Luhrmann’s music-driven Netflix drama for The Get Down. Set in 1970s New York City, the series — a long-time passion project for Luhrmann — revolves around a ragtag crew of South Bronx teenagers who are wild in the streets — nothings and nobodies with no one to shelter them, except one another. Smith will recur as Marcus “Dizzee” Kipling, 18, a psychedelically talented and enigmatic graffiti writer raised in the South Bronx.
Smith already has started working on the show. “He has begun developing his The Get Down skill set, even taking lessons from the legendary graffiti artist Lady Pink of ‘Wild Style’ fame, as well as steeping himself in the history and culture of the Bronx,” Luhrman said.
Smith started his acting career at an early age in TV, recurring on the comedy series co-created by his parents, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. He went on to star in features, including The Pursuit of Happyness and The Karate Kid, until recently returning to TV with a role in HBO’s upcoming comedy series Brothers In Atlanta.
“We as an audience have known Jaden since he was very young,” Luhrman said. “Recently, Jaden has been seeking diverse and challenging roles and this is a testament to his passion to grow in the craft. We’re all very happy with the casting of Jaden in the role of ‘Dizzee’ Kipling, and with his addition, the Kipling family cast is now complete.” Previously cast as fellow Kiplings are Skylan Brooks (“Ra Ra”) and Tremaine Brown, Jr. (“Boo Boo”).
On The Get Down, Smith aslo joins Jimmy Smits (“Francisco Cruz” aka “Papa Fuerte”), Herizen Guardiola (“Mylene Cruz”), Justice Smith (“Ezekiel”), Shameik Moore (“Shaolin Fantastic”), Yahya Abdul-Mateen (“Cadillac”) and Mamoudou Athie (“Grandmaster Flash”).
The 13-episode series from Luhrmann, Shawn Ryan and Sony Pictures Television, will debut in all Netflix territories in 2016. Catherine Martin, Paul Watters, Thomas Kelly, Stephen Adly Guirgis, and Marney Hochman executive produce alongside Luhrmann and Ruyan.
Smith is repped by Paradigm and attorney Jason Sloane.
http://deadline.com/2015/06/jaden-smith-cast-baz-luhrmann-series-the-get-down-netflix-1201440288/
