Baz Luhrmann's Netflix series 'The Get Down' has its female lead

Baz Luhrmann has found the leading lady for his Netflix series, The Get Down. Singer/songwriter Herizen Guardiola is set to make her acting debut as Mylene Cruz in the original series, the streaming service announced Thursday.

Guardiola’s character is a tenacious girl with an incredible voice who dreams of becoming a disco star, a dream that is far outside the realm of her fiercely religious background.

“So many really talented actors were seen to play the lead female role of Mylene Cruz, daughter of Reverend Ramon Cruz and niece of Papa Filipe Fuerte Cruz in The Get Down,” Luhrmann said in a release. “It’s always thrilling to find a fresh unknown talent, particularly one who is not only a terrific actor but a magnificent vocalist.”

Guardiola joins the previously announced castmembers: TJ Brown, Justice Smith (Paper Towns), Shameik Moore (2015 Sundance hit Dope), and Skylan Brooks (The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete). Luhrmann is set to direct the first two episodes along with the finale and will act as an executive producer of the 13-episode series. Catherine Martin, Paul Watters, Thomas Kelly, Stephen Adly Guirgis, Shawn Ryan, and Marney Hochman will also serve as executive producers. The Get Down will premiere on Netflix in 2016.