In a significant shift in Brazilian television, actor Lázaro Ramos has parted ways with Amazon after his exclusivity agreement, signed in 2021, was not renewed. This change paves the way for Ramos to return to his roots in telenovelas, as he has signed on to star in "Coração Acelerado," set to replace "Dona de Mim" in January 2026. This marks a new chapter for the popular actor, who will be featured as one of the main protagonists in the upcoming series.
During his tenure with Amazon, Ramos was hired as an executive producer for several projects, but only two made it to production: the film "Um Ano Inesquecível" and the special "Feliz Ano Novo de Novo." In 2023, Amazon decided to scale back its investment in fictional content, leading to Ramos' release to participate in the remake of "Elas por Elas" (2023), where he played the character Mário Fofoca. His contract with Amazon officially ended in late 2024, giving him the freedom to explore new opportunities.
"Coração Acelerado" tells the story of João Raul, a young singer who becomes an internet sensation with his post, "Where is the girl from my past?" This reveals a connection to his muse from a talent show he attended at the age of 12. The character Agrado Garcia, who is a strong female figure in the music industry, will be portrayed by Isadora Cruz. The cast also includes Isabelle Drummond and Leandra Leal as antagonists, adding depth to the storyline.
The telenovela is being crafted by the experienced duo Izabel de Oliveira and Maria Helena Nascimento, who have previously worked on successful musical dramas like "Cheias de Charme" (2012) and "Rock Story" (2016). Their track record suggests that "Coração Acelerado" is poised to capture audiences with its compelling narrative and engaging characters.
In another notable development, the late actor Thommy Schiavo will be remembered in the upcoming telenovela "Guerreiros do Sol," which has been fully recorded and is slated to premiere on Globoplay in June 2025. Schiavo tragically passed away in July 2024 at the age of 39 following an accident at his home in Cuiabá. His appearance in "Guerreiros do Sol" will serve as a poignant tribute, as he plays a police officer in the series.
Schiavo was well-known for his roles in various telenovelas, including his memorable performance as Zoinho in "Pantanal" (2022), where he starred in a groundbreaking gay kiss scene. His untimely death occurred after he fell from a building, an incident deemed accidental by police investigations. Despite the tragedy, his work in "Guerreiros do Sol" will remain intact, honoring his contribution to the series without altering the storyline.
As Brazilian television continues to evolve, the recent developments surrounding the "Pipocas" from BBB 25 also highlight the shifting dynamics in the industry. As of May 8, 2025, the contracts of the "Pipocas" have ended, resulting in most of the cast losing their ties with Globo. However, three members—Renata Saldanha, Aline Patriarca, and Vinícius Nascimento—have managed to secure contracts with ViU, Globo's commercial agency.
The latest season of BBB has been marked by disappointment, recording the lowest average audience in the show's history. Despite this, Saldanha, Patriarca, and Nascimento have distinguished themselves by engaging in advertising campaigns, with Aline and Vinícius being more sought after than Saldanha, the season's champion. Renata Saldanha has garnered a significant social media following, boasting 1.6 million Instagram followers, which undoubtedly contributed to her continued relevance in the industry.
Vinícius expressed his excitement about this new phase in his career, stating, "I have been surprised every day with this new phase I am living post-BBB. The program was always my dream, and the affection I have received has been an even bigger dream. I celebrate this great step with ViU, who embraced me from the first moment I left the house. I will give my all in every opportunity and for everyone who loves me."
Aline Patriarca's retention with ViU can be attributed to her viral presence on social media, where she became a source of numerous memes during her time on the show. She expressed her joy, saying, "It is inexpressible the feeling I carry with everything that is happening in my life. I am happy to see so many wonderful opportunities, a sense of duty fulfilled, and now I am launching into the new, in a world that demands more dedication and focus."
In addition to the three ex-BBBs, Globo has expanded its roster by signing Fernando Fernandes, the host of "Esporte Espetacular," who will also be represented by ViU. Fernandes, who has a million followers on social media, emphasized the social power of combining sports with communication, expressing his enthusiasm for this new chapter.
With these developments, Globo continues to adapt to the changing landscape of Brazilian television, seeking to engage audiences while honoring the contributions of its stars, both past and present. The upcoming telenovelas and the retention of select BBB contestants signal a commitment to quality storytelling and the cultivation of talent in the industry.
