Baz Luhrmann’s music-driven drama The Get Down lands 16-year old star actor.
[dropcap size=small]I[/dropcap]f Jaden Smith was waiting for a role that takes him back in time, the wait is over! E! News can confirm that Smith will star in the new Netflix series as Marcus “Dizzie” Kipling, an obscurly-talented writer who lives in the South Bronx in the disco era. Smith is also known for his roles in The Pursuit of Happiness, The Karate Kid and After Earth.
The West Wing alum Jimmy Smits and Paper Towns star Justice Smith have also been added to the cast.
“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,” Luhrmann said in a statement to E! News. “In the short time he has joined our acting family, he has begun developing his The Get Down skill set, even taking lessons from the legendary graffiti artist Lady Pink of ‘Wild Style’ fame, as well as steeping himself in the history and culture of the Bronx.”
Smith has been known for his crazy fashion choices and eye-popping interviews, including his opinion on school.
“Kids who go to normal school are so teenagers, so angsty…You never learn anything in school,” he shared with the publication. “Think about how many car accidents happen every day. Driver’s ed? What’s up? I still haven’t been to driver’s ed because if everybody I know has been in an accident, I can’t see how driver’s ed is really helping them out.”
The 13-episode Netflix series will debut in 2016.
