Baz Luhrmann has started the casting search for the leads for The Get Down, the 13-part musical drama commissioned by Netflix.
Set in 1970s New York City, the plot will follow the lives and music of a ragtag crew of South Bronx teens, billed as a sweeping saga of loyalty, love and betrayal while the city itself is transformed.
US talent agents have been given briefs of three leads, all 18 and African-Americans, Hispanic or mixed race.
Ezekiel (“Books”) is the chronicler/MC of the story. He’s described as a chameleon who idolises Bruce Lee, a hustler, a reader and a writer.
Kurtis (“Crooks”) is “Books’” best friend, a wild man, a loner and a stray dog orphan. He’s the roughest kid on the block, controlling, violent, funny, persuasive, sexual, jealous and charismatic.
Mylene is a gifted singer who dreams of becoming New York’s next disco queen. She has what it takes and knows it. Beneath her haughty veneer is a sweet vulnerability and a deep need to be loved.
After she catches the attention of a down-on-his-luck producer, she embarks on a cocaine-fuelled rocket to Studio 54, the stars and maybe even Hollywood.
The director’s first music-driven project since 2001's Moulin Rouge! as well as his first TV series, it's scheduled to debut in 2016. Luhrmann will direct the first two episodes and the season finale for Sony Pictures TV.
Shooting is due to start in New York City in May.