Soccer Series Star Admits He's No Fan

Brazilian actor Cauã Reymond, leading the cast of Globo's soccer series 'The Playoffs,' revealed at SXSW London that he is not a fervent fan of the sport himself. Reymond, also a martial artist, expressed his fascination with the sport's hidden aspects, stating his interest in exploring "prostitution behind the lines," player scandals, and the challenges athletes face after retirement. He approached his role as Maurício, a retired player navigating the cutthroat football industry, like a detective, conducting extensive research with former players and coaches.

Director Bruno Safadi emphasized the commitment to realism in filming the soccer sequences, noting the difficulty in capturing authentic on-field action. To achieve this, the production combined documentary-style scenes with crowd shots and close-ups, successfully portraying actors as convincing players. The world premiere at SXSW London underscored the series' connection to England and the broader global appetite for Brazilian narratives, following successes like 'The Secret Agent.'

Safadi highlighted the blurring lines between cinema and television, especially with the rise of streaming platforms, allowing Brazilian stories to gain international traction. Reymond added that audiences are increasingly receptive to international content, even those with subtitles, indicating a growing curiosity for global productions. This trend suggests a promising future for Brazilian storytelling on both small and big screens.