Jaden Smith joins cast of Baz Luhrmann’s music-driven Netflix drama ‘The Get Down’

13-part series will follow a motley crew of teenagers in 1970s New York

Jaden Smith has joined the cast of The Get Down, Netflix’s forthcoming music-driven drama series from Moulin Rouge! and Romeo + Juliet director Baz Luhrmann.

Set in 1970s New York, the 13-part series will follow a motley crew of teenagers from the underprivileged South Bronx district as they become involved in the city’s innovative new hip-hop, punk and disco scenes. Jaden Smith, the 16-year-old son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, who is known for his roles in The Karate Kid and After Earth, will have a recurring role as a talented young graffiti artist called Marcus ‘Dizzee’ Kipling.

Luhrmann said in a statement: “We as an audience have known Jaden since he was very young. 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.”

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Smith joins a cast that already includes former Sons Of Anarchy/L.A. Law star Jimmy Smits and up-and-coming young actors Herizen Guardiola, Justice Smith, Shameik Moore, Yahya Abdul-Mateen and Mamoudou Athie. Luhrmann will direct the first two episodes and the final episode, as well as serving as an executive producer alongside The Shield creator Shawn Ryan. Luhrmann’s wife, four-time Oscar winner Catherine Martin, will also serve as an executive producer as well as costume and production designer.

The Get Down will premiere on Netflix in all territories in 2016. It will be Luhrmann’s first TV project following five films: 1992’s Strictly Ballroom, 1996’s Romeo + Juliet, 2001’s Moulin Rouge!, 2008’s Australia and 2013’s The Great Gatsby. Watch Netflix’s teaser for The Get Down below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyxOJaL8HXg

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