In a spectacular celebration of its 60th anniversary, Globo brought together some of the most iconic villains from its storied history of telenovelas in a special segment that aired on April 28, 2025. This nostalgic reunion, dubbed "Encontro das Vilãs," featured a host of beloved characters that have become cultural touchstones in Brazilian television.
The segment drew immediate attention and sparked a flurry of discussions on social media, particularly regarding the absence of notable villains such as Flora, played by Patricia Pillar in "A Favorita" (2008), and Bia Falcão, portrayed by Fernanda Montenegro in "Belíssima" (2005). Viewers expressed their disappointment, questioning why these fan-favorites were left out of the lineup.
Ricardo Linhares, one of the show's authors, addressed these concerns in an interview with Carla Bittencourt for the Portal Leo Dias. He explained that he and co-author Juan Jullian had compiled a long list of iconic villains but ultimately chose characters that best fit the lighthearted tone of their script. "We had to consider the pacing of the segment, and adding more villains would have disrupted the flow of the show," Linhares stated.
Despite the exclusions, the segment featured a star-studded cast of villains, including Nazaré Tedesco (Renata Sorrah) from "Senhora do Destino" (2004), Branca Letícia (Susana Vieira) from "Por Amor" (1997), Raquel (Gloria Pires) from "Mulheres de Areia" (1993), Pérpetua (Joana Fomm) from "Tieta" (1989), Carminha (Adriana Esteves) from "Avenida Brasil" (2012), Maristela (Lilia Cabral) from "Garota do Momento" (2024), Vanessa (Letícia Colin) from "Todas as Flores" (2022), and Cristina (Flávia Alessandra) from "Alma Gêmea" (2005).
During the segment, the actresses reminisced about their roles and the impact these characters had on audiences. Renata Sorrah recalled how even 11 years after her character's last appearance, fans still request photos of her portraying Nazaré, often asking her to reenact the infamous scene where she pushes someone down the stairs. "It was an incredible, iconic show," she reflected.
Each actress brought her character's essence back to life, with Flávia Alessandra discussing Cristina's complex motivations in "Alma Gêmea," where her character's jealousy leads to tragic events. Gloria Pires shared her experience of reprising Raquel, a character that has become synonymous with villainy in Brazilian soap operas.
Joana Fomm expressed her excitement about revisiting Perpétua from "Tieta," a role that has left a lasting impression on viewers. "It’s always a joy to bring these characters back, especially ones that have such a strong connection with the audience," she said.
Adriana Esteves reflected on her iconic role as Carminha, stating, "I never wore Carminha's costume again after the show ended. But when I tried it on for this segment, I felt a wave of nostalgia." Esteves's ability to evoke that emotional connection speaks volumes about the power of these characters in the hearts of fans.
Letícia Colin, who played Vanessa in "Todas as Flores," shared her thoughts on the importance of these villainous roles in shaping the narrative of Brazilian telenovelas. "These characters are essential. They create conflict and depth in the stories we tell," she noted.
The reunion not only served as a nostalgic trip down memory lane but also highlighted how these characters have remained relevant in popular culture. Many viewers took to social media to express their joy at seeing the villains together again, with comments ranging from laughter to heartfelt nostalgia. One viewer remarked, "It’s like the Disney princesses got a Brazilian twist!" while another expressed emotional connection, saying, "I was moved to tears seeing Perpétua again. Time may pass, but these characters live on in our hearts."
In addition to the celebration of villains, the event also featured comedic interludes by popular Brazilian comedians Tatá Werneck, Fábio Porchat, and Paulo Vieira, who lightened the mood by poking fun at some of the recent controversies surrounding the actors from the show "Vale Tudo." Their jokes about the tensions between cast members added a humorous touch to the evening, showcasing the camaraderie and resilience of the Globo family.
As the night unfolded, viewers were treated to a delightful blend of nostalgia and humor, reminding them of the rich tapestry of stories that Globo has woven over the past six decades. The special segment not only celebrated the villains that audiences love to hate but also reinforced the enduring legacy of Brazilian telenovelas in the hearts of millions.
In a final note, Juan Jullian, who co-authored both the villains segment and the newly premiered telenovela "Dona de Mim," expressed his gratitude for being part of such a significant celebration. "This is a dream come true for me," he tweeted, highlighting the interconnectedness of Globo's storytelling.
Overall, the "Encontro das Vilãs" segment was a resounding success, bringing together the past and present of Brazilian television in a way that resonated with viewers old and new. As Globo continues to evolve, the impact of these iconic characters will undoubtedly remain a cherished part of its legacy.
