While we got a much more extensive look at all the many moods to be expected in The Get Down when Netflix released a three-minute trailer back in January, this brand new teaser has its own merit. At just 30 seconds long, it doesn’t offer much in the way of exposition or characterization. But god damn if this tight package of imagery and music from the upcoming Baz Luhrmann (Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!) series doesn’t have feeling. The earlier preview did a good job of letting us know what we can expect from the period drama, set in New York City’s burgeoning hip-hop scene circa the summer of 1977. This one, though, seems intended as a quick shot of adrenaline that will make viewers want to shove the show into their eye holes.
Newcomers Justice Smith and Herizen Guardiola lead an ensemble cast that includes Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad), Jimmy Smits (The West Wing), and Shameik Moore (Dope). Yale-trained young actor Mamoudou Athie will play as the granddaddy of hip-hop himself, Grandmaster Flash, who’s joined the production as a consultant. Everything about this is encouraging.
The initial six installments of the 13-episode debut season of The Get Down will begin streaming on Netflix on August 12.