Brazilian actor Drico Alves has been confirmed as a cast member for the upcoming television drama Avenida Brasil 2. The 24-year-old performer's press office confirmed the casting news to CNN Brasil on Friday, August 28.
According to his representatives, Alves signed his contract on Wednesday, August 26. In the new series, he will portray Juninho, a brand-new character introduced to the narrative who maintains a very close relationship with his mother.
Although producers have not yet confirmed an official premiere date for Avenida Brasil 2, the production is moving forward under artistic director Ricardo Waddington. Henrique Sauer leads the project as general director, alongside a creative team that includes André Barros, Mayara Aguiar and Isabella Teixeira.
Recent television and streaming roles
Prior to joining the new production, Alves featured in the popular Netflix drama series Os Donos do Jogo. In the streaming series, he played Pudim, a character depicted as the godson of Mirna Guerra, portrayed by actress Mel Maia.
Alves also built his television career through his work in the broadcast telenovela Travessia. In that series, he played Ivan, a young man raised in an orphanage who was born around the time of the death of the character Débora, played by Grazi Massafera.
In the storyline of Travessia, Ivan created widespread intrigue after coming forward as the alleged son of Moretti, played by Rodrigo Lombardi. His claim sparked a major mystery within the plot that led to DNA paternity testing to determine his heritage.
Cultural impact of Avenida Brasil
The original Avenida Brasil is widely regarded as one of the most influential telenovelas in the history of Brazilian television. Produced as a prime-time serial, the show became a national cultural phenomenon when it first broadcast in 2012, attracting massive viewing figures and achieving audience peaks of nearly 60 rating points during its final episode.
Following its initial success on Brazilian television, the dramatic series was exported and sold to networks in dozens of countries around the world. The show also generated widespread internet memes that remain active on social media platforms today.
Avenida Brasil enjoyed renewed popular success when it was re-aired on broadcast television between 2019 and 2020. It continues to rank among the most watched titles on Globoplay, the subscription video streaming service owned by Brazilian media conglomerate Grupo Globo, as anticipation builds for the new sequel.
