Charisma doesn't hold the scene": Bruno Fagundes criticizes Juliano Floss's casting in Globo production
Juliano Floss's debut in dramaturgy sparked a debate behind the scenes on television: can popularity on social networks weigh more than training and experience as an actor?
Actor Bruno Fagundes, 37, stirred up social media by questioning the choice of Juliano Floss, 22, for the cast of "Paraíso Perdido", a new Globoplay production scheduled for 2027.
Son of the renowned actor Antônio Fagundes, Bruno reacted to a statement by screenwriter Sérgio Goldenberg, one of the authors of the work, who highlighted the charisma and chemistry shown by Juliano during the auditions.
"Another day of actors losing opportunity for influs," Bruno wrote in a post on Stories.
Next, the actor explained that his criticism would not be directed exclusively at Juliano, but at the criteria adopted by the market to fill important roles in teledramaturgy.
According to Bruno, the presence of celebrities in movies and soap operas is not new and is part of the functioning of the entertainment industry. However, he argued that popularity, number of followers and charisma do not necessarily replace technical preparation and experience in front of the cameras.
"It has already been proven that numbers do not guarantee success, charisma does not secure a scene," said the actor.
Bruno also drew attention to the complexity of the material that will be adapted. "Paradise Lost" brings together elements from four works by Nelson Rodrigues: "Cute, but Ordinary", "The Woman without Sin", "All Nudity Will Be Punished" and "The Seven Kittens".
For him, texts of this nature require the performer to be able to understand different emotional and psychological layers. Bruno said it is frustrating to see professionals with study, specialization and years on the road vying for space with personalities chosen, in part, for their public projection.
Despite the critical tone, the actor acknowledged that beginner artists or people still little known in acting can surprise and present good results.
Author explains why Juliano was chosen
Sérgio Goldenberg, who writes the production in partnership with George Moura, said that the casting was not an isolated decision. According to the author, a group of professionals evaluated and discussed the tests carried out by the candidates.
Goldenberg said that Juliano performed well from the beginning and demonstrated an immediate connection with the character. The screenwriter also quoted Italian filmmaker Roberto Rossellini to remember that the use of non-actors in audiovisual is not a recent phenomenon. Metropolis
The recordings of the production have already begun, but at the time of the interview, Goldenberg stated that he had not yet watched the first recorded scenes.
Juliano really has no preparation?
Although he is mainly known as a dancer, digital influencer and former reality show participant, Juliano Floss recently stated that he studied theater for three years and that he has been auditioning for acting for approximately four years.
Before "Paradise Lost", he was also cast in the film "The Ten Advantages of Dying After You", scheduled to hit theaters in October 2026. Therefore, the Globoplay production represents his debut in a long work of dramaturgy, but not necessarily his first contact with acting studies or audiovisual work. Folha de S.Paulo
Who will be Juliano in "Paradise Lost"?
In the story, Juliano will play Heitor Júnior, a 24-year-old, sensitive and romantic. He will be the son of businessman Werneck, played by Alexandre Nero, and Lígia, Maeve Jinkings' character.
Heitor will have a difficult relationship with his father, described as rigid and sexist. The young man will suffer for not living up to his father's expectations and will develop a desire for revenge. Part of the plot will also involve love conflicts between the characters.
The production will have 40 chapters, artistic direction by Joana Jabace and will be set in present-day Rio de Janeiro. Alanis Guillen, Eduardo Sterblitch, Larissa Bocchino, Juan Paiva and Georgette Fadel are among the names linked to the cast. TV News
Debate goes beyond Juliano Floss
Bruno Fagundes' statement once again highlighted an old discussion on Brazilian television: to what extent do audience, engagement and digital visibility influence a lineup?
For platforms and broadcasters, a personality with millions of followers can help arouse curiosity and attract audiences. Actors with training, on the other hand, argue that interpretation requires technique, preparation and experience – especially in emotionally complex characters.
In Juliano's case, there is still an important point: he participated in auditions and, according to the author of the production, was approved by a group of professionals. His performance, therefore, can only be evaluated by the public when the work is released.
Until the closing of this article, Juliano Floss had not publicly responded to the direct criticism made by Bruno Fagundes.
And you, comadre and compadre: do you believe that influencers should be given opportunities in dramaturgy or should the roles prioritize actors with more experience and training?