The highly anticipated remake of the Brazilian soap opera Vale Tudo premiered on March 31, 2025, on TV Globo, drawing in viewers with its blend of nostalgia and contemporary storytelling. The original series, which aired in 1988, is considered a classic of Brazilian television, and this new version aims to capture the attention of both longtime fans and a new generation.
Written by Manuela Dias and directed by Paulo Silvestrini, the new Vale Tudo features a star-studded cast including Taís Araujo as Raquel, Bella Campos as Maria de Fátima, and Débora Bloch as the infamous villain Odete Roitman. The premiere episode aired at 9:20 PM Brasília time and was also made available on Globoplay shortly after, allowing even non-subscribers to tune in.
The plot kicks off with the dynamic between Raquel and her ambitious daughter Maria de Fátima, who yearns for a life beyond their modest existence in Foz do Iguaçu. The tension escalates as Maria de Fátima expresses her discontent with their simple lifestyle and her desire to move to Rio de Janeiro, leading to a series of conflicts that set the stage for the drama to unfold.
In the opening scenes, viewers are introduced to the struggles of Raquel, a dedicated tour guide who has raised Maria de Fátima alone since her ex-husband Rubinho left a decade ago. Maria de Fátima’s aspirations take a turn when she meets César, a model portrayed by Cauã Reymond, who becomes a pivotal figure in her quest for success. As Salvador, Raquel’s father, passes away, Maria de Fátima seizes the opportunity to sell their home and relocate to Rio, setting off a chain of events that will challenge the mother-daughter relationship.
As the narrative unfolds, the soap opera explores themes of ambition, ethics, and the age-old question of whether success can be achieved through honesty. "The question of honesty is the main subject of Vale Tudo. Is it possible to be successful while being honest? This theme permeates the entire soap opera and remains relevant today," said Manuela Dias, highlighting the timeless nature of the show's core message.
Among the notable changes in the remake, several characters from the original series have been removed or altered. For instance, the character of Iris, a shy girl who falls in love with Poliana, has been cut from the storyline, as has Dona Pequenina, Iris’s grandmother. The new version will instead introduce Jorginho, played by Rafael Fuchs, as the son of Lucimar and Vasco, a couple whose relationship will be further explored in this adaptation.
Fans of the original series will also be eager to see how the notorious Odete Roitman is portrayed by Bloch. Known for her cold and calculating demeanor, Odete’s narrative arc includes significant interactions with her children, Heleninha and Afonso, who are portrayed by Paolla Oliveira and Humberto Carrão, respectively. The family dynamics promise to be as complex and engaging as ever, especially with the new twist on the iconic question, "Who killed Odete Roitman?" which is expected to have a different resolution in this version.
In addition to the central conflicts, the show also dives into the lives of supporting characters, including the residents of the Vila Isabel community, who play a crucial role in Raquel's journey. The ensemble cast also features characters with diverse backgrounds and challenges, illustrating the multifaceted nature of life in modern Brazil.
"We are making the soap opera for today’s audience. For those who watched the first version and those who will discover the story for the first time. We had to accommodate transformations, and some discussions have evolved," Silvestrini explained, emphasizing the effort to make the narrative relevant for contemporary viewers.
The opening episode successfully set the stage for a series filled with drama, moral dilemmas, and the pursuit of dreams against the backdrop of Brazilian society. As the audience watches Raquel and Maria de Fátima navigate their tumultuous relationship, they are also invited to reflect on broader questions about integrity and ambition.
With the premiere of Vale Tudo, the legacy of the original series continues while embracing new themes and modern storytelling techniques. The show’s return not only commemorates the 60th anniversary of TV Globo but also revitalizes discussions around the importance of honesty and ethical conduct in a rapidly changing world.
As viewers settle in for the ride, they can expect to witness a blend of familiar faces and fresh narratives that promise to resonate deeply, making Vale Tudo a must-watch in the current television landscape.
