Baz Luhrmann's music-driven drama for Netflix, The Get Down, is adding Yahya Abdul-Mateen II to its growing cast. Abdul-Mateen will play "Cadillac," a fly gangster and prince of the disco world who's the owner and proprietor of the most notorious after-hours night spot in the Bronx.
Born in New Orleans and raised in Oakland, Abdul-Mateen holds an MFA in Acting from the Yale School of Drama. Prior to graduating from Yale, he performed in King Lear at the Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park in 2014.
"The story of The Get Down is so much about unexpected creativity born of a new generation. So, it's equally exciting that we are discovering so many, as yet, unknown talents and are able to place them in such significant roles. From 14-year-old Tremaine Brown, Jr. who hails from the Bronx, to a recent Yale graduate in the acting world Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who will be playing a prince of the disco floor and somewhat kingpin of the underworld. It was a role highly contested, and all of us in The Get Down company are excited to have this gifted young actor join us," said Luhrmann.
Previously announced cast members include Jimmy Smits ("Francisco Cruz" aka "Papa Fuerte"), Herizen Guardiola ("Mylene Cruz"), Justice Smith ("Ezekiel"), Shameik Moore ("Shaolin Fantastic"), Skylan Brooks ("Ra Ra"), Tremaine Brown, Jr. ("Boo Boo") and Mamoudou Athie ("Grandmaster Flash")
Photo credit: Baz Luhrmann
