Baz Luhrmann reveals first cast for Netflix series

•  Aussie filmmaker to direct first, second and final episodes

Baz Luhrmann’s new Netflix original series, The Get Down, has cast its first four young male leads, a rag tag group of teenagers who are wild in the streets of the Bronx in the late 70’s.
The first castmembers are:
TJ Brown Jr. as “Boo-Boo,” a mechanically-minded kid who wants to get down, he is an irrepressible 40-year old in a 14-year old body.
Justice Smith as “Ezekiel,” a smart, resourceful teen brimming with untapped talent and unrequited love who is determined to make his mark in this world.
Shameik Moore as “Shaolin Fantastic,” a child of the streets, thrill-seeking, unpredictable, eccentric but above all, enigmatic.
Skylan Brooks as “Ra-Ra,” a loyal, respected, protective friend and brother with his head screwed on tight, he’s the voice of reason beyond his years.
Baz Luhrmann said: “The characters these young actors play in The Get Down unwittingly become a band of brothers. Any great group is always made up of distinctly different characters, and the actors we are privileged enough to invite into the roles of Ezekiel, Shaolin Fantastic, Boo-Boo and Ra-Ra all have the distinction of being from such diverse backgrounds – from performing in subways in the Bronx to the music scene of Atlanta and of course Los Angeles. I know they’re collectively on the beginning of a thrilling journey with a big story to tell.”
Luhrmann will direct the first two episodes and the season finale and serve as executive producer. The series is also executive produced by Catherine Martin, Paul Watters, Thomas Kelly, Stephen Adly Guirgis, Shawn Ryan and Marney Hochman.
The 13-episode music-driven drama from Sony Pictures Television will debut in all Netflix territories in 2016.