Baz Luhrmann Writes Letter to Fans After 'The Get Down' gets Canceled
Published on May 25th, 2017 | Updated on May 25th, 2017 | By FanFest
Just hours ago, Deadline broke the news that 'The Get Down' on Netflix had been canceled. The Netflix Original followed a group of teenagers in the late 1970's watching the rise of hip-hop and disco music. The characters experienced ups and downs but their love of music and art kept them together.
When Zeke, a poet who moved in with his aunt after his parents passed away, met Shaolin, they became fast friends. Along with Zeke's other friends, they called themselves 'The Get Down Brothers' and their dream was to be a success in music and to take over the city. Their lives aren't easy, and the show focuses on things like poverty and violence that those who live in the Bronx often face. It shows the struggles, as well as the triumphs, and a few rap legends even helped with casting so the actors and actresses knew the weight and depth of the history they were portraying.
The series hit a few bumps in the road, which led to a split first season, and some believe that may have played a hand in the show being canceled. The Get Down was met with widely positive reviews, but it was also a very expensive show.
No matter what actually caused the show's end, many are already incredibly sad to hear the news and Baz is one of those people. While he says that him not being able to be hands-on was part of the decision to not go forward with a season 2, it's still a loss for him as well. He took to social media with a letter to fans of the show with a bit of further explanation.
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
Were you a fan of The Get Down, and if so, were you looking forward to a second season? Let us know.
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