“I’ll see you on the other side”: Baz Luhrmann’s The Get Down cancelled by Netflix
David Farnor | On 25, May 2017
The Get Down will not return for a second season.
Baz Luhrmann’s inventive tale of hip-hop, the streets, and 70s New York was the director’s first foray into the small screen, and one of Netflix’s highest profile originals of last year.
The TV series, which stars Giancarlo Esposito, Jimmy SMits, Jaden Smith and more, follows a rag-tag crew of teens who are nothings and nobodies with no one to shelter them – except each other. Armed only with improvised dance steps, some magic markers and spray cans, the show charts the birth of hip-hop, punk and disco from Bronx tenements to the SoHo art scene, from CBGBs to Studio 54 and even the glass towers of the just-built World Trade Center.
“Luhrmann’s characteristic style blurs the line between myth, story, and method, creating a soulful harmony of fact and fiction,” we wrote in our review of the Season 1 finale, which was released earlier this year, after the first season was split into two halves. “Having shocked, amazed, and pistol-whipped his way to the finale of The Get Down, Baz Luhrmann produces an extended episode packed with the style, mixed-media and heart that have all come to be known as Luhrmann signatures.”
Now, though, Deadline reports that Netflix has opted not to renew the programme for a second run – a rare departure from the streaming service’s usually eager approach to renewals.
Baz Luhrmann took to Facebook to comment on the decision, writing the following long post:
Dear fans of The Get Down,
I wanted to speak to you with an open heart and just acknowledge how humbled and moved that not only I, but all who have given so much to this production, have been by your passion and commitment to see the next chapter of The Get Down go back into production in the immediate future. I want to explain to you why that is unlikely to happen…
When I was asked to come to the center of The Get Down to help realize it, I had to defer a film directing commitment for at least two years. This exclusivity has understandably become a sticking point for Netflix and Sony, who have been tremendous partners and supporters of the show. It kills me that I can’t split myself into two and make myself available to both productions. I feel so deeply connected to all those who I have worked and collaborated with on this remarkable experience.
All sorts of things have been thrown around for the future… even a stage show (can you imagine that? I can, concert version anyone? Next summer? Just saying.) But the simple truth is, I make movies. And the thing with movies is, that when you direct them, there can be nothing else in your life. Since The Get Down stopped, I have actually been spending the last few months preparing my new cinematic work…
The cast of this show is unique and exceptional. Apart from our stellar veteran actors, I can’t tell you how privileged we all felt to have found such young, new talents, many of whom are now starring in motion pictures, creating music, and taking tremendous strides in their careers. Our cast, writers, musical collaborators, choreographers, camera team, directing and post-production teams all felt the profound privilege to have been embraced by the borough of The Bronx and the Hip-Hop community at large. But most especially by the forefathers of Hip-Hop: Grandmaster Flash, Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Caz, Kurtis Blow, Raheim and all the b-boys, b-girls, graffiti-writers, MC’s and DJ’s that made this story possible. As well as the keepers of the flame and guiding lights, such as Nas. We experienced things together that I will never forget. All of us in The Get Down family have been touched by this precious mission of telling the pre-history of a form of culture that would go on to change not only the city, but the world.
As for the real future of the show, the spirit of The Get Down, and the story it has begun to tell… it has its own life. One that lives on today and will continue to be told somewhere, somehow, because of you, the fans and the supporters.
Humbled and honored, and to quote Mylene’s beautiful ballad, “I’ll see you on the other-side…”
Best,
Baz
Season 1 and 2 of The Get Down are available to watch online on Netflix UK, as part of an £9.99 monthly subscription.
Clip: The Get Down Part 2 gets right back to it
7th April 2017
The Get Down gets back down for Part 2 today – and Baz Luhrmann’s musical of dreams and struggles isn’t about to skimp on either of those.
Set in 1977, the show chronicles the rise of hip-hop and the last days of disco, as the city on the brink of bankruptcy gives birth to a new art form. Told through the lives and music of a ragtag crew of South Bronx teens, Part II continues their story, from Ezekiel and his crew to Mylene’s possible rise to stardom through her gospel singing.
A new clip from Part 2 makes it clear that Luhrmann is only going to double down on the relationships, struggles, triumphs and artistry of its central teenage gang, as Mylene finds herself shooting to stardom – but at a cost. All episodes of The Get Down Part 2 are available now on Netflix. To get watching, hit the button below – or catch up with our reviews of Part 1
The Get Down Part II trailer gets us back in the groove
10th March 2017
It’s only a matter of weeks until The Get Down returns to Netflix – and there’s a new trailer to get you back in the groove.
“The borough where I’m from ain’t the slums,” says Ezekiel, one of the young kids at the heart of Baz Luhrmann’s mythic saga about the transformation of 1970s New York City and the US music scene. “We got kings,” he adds. “That’s what I’m gonna be.”
Set in 1977, the show chronicles the rise of hip-hop and the last days of disco, as the city on the brink of bankruptcy gives birth to a new art form.
Told through the lives and music of a ragtag crew of South Bronx teens, Part II continues their story, from Ezekiel and his crew to Mylene’s possible rise to stardom through her gospel singing.
Part II of The Get Down premieres on Friday 7th April. Read on for the trailer, or catch up with our reviews here.
The Get Down will return for Part II this April
24th February 2017
“We’re gonna take our music from minor to major league.” That’s the sound of the birth of musical revolution stepping up in a gear in Netflix’s The Get Down.
Baz Luhrmann’s series is a mythic saga of the transformation of 1970s New York City, told through the lives and music of a ragtag crew of South Bronx teens. Set in 1977, the show chronicles the rise of hip-hop and the last days of disco, as the city on the brink of bankruptcy gives birth to a new art form.
“On the simple terms of encouraging anyone, anywhere to dream, The Get Down succeeds with style,” we wrote in our review of Part 1. “It’s colourful, it’s witty, it’s an ode to the 70s’ coked-up music industry, and a tough yet optimistic view of hip-hop’s birth.”
The cast of the The Get Down includes Shameik Moore (Shaolin Fantastic), Justice Smith (Ezekiel “Books” Figuero), Herizen Guardiola (Mylene Cruz), Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Cadillac), Jaden Smith (Dizzee Kipling), Skylan Brooks (Ra-Ra Kipling), Tremaine Brown Jr. (Boo Boo Kiping), Mamoudou Athie (Grandmaster Flash), Jimmy Smits (Francisco “Papa Fuerte” Cruz) and Giancarlo Esposito (Ramon Cruz).
Part 2 will premiere on Netflix worldwide on Friday 7th April. Catch up with our reviews of the show’s first part here.
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