Nicolas Prattes, known for his role as Rudá on the Globo novela 'Mania de Você', recently stirred controversy following his public celebration of the end of his character's arc. On February 21, after filming his final scene, which depicts the character’s tragic demise, Prattes took to social media and playfully shared the Frozen theme song, 'Livre Estou' (or 'Let It Go'). While intended as a lighthearted farewell, the choice of song and timing raised eyebrows within Globo and among fans.
Insiders report the reaction to Prattes' post as one of discomfort and irritation. His character, Rudá, had been losing significance on the show due to narrative changes implemented by the novela's author, João Emanuel Carneiro. This shift aimed at reclaiming viewing figures, but it appeared to leave Prattes feeling sidelined and frustrated.
According to industry sources, the song choice was perceived as a veiled critique of the production's struggles. Many at Globo interpreted it as more than just a personal sentiment; it was deemed a public manifestation of dissatisfaction, alerting fellow actors about the risks involved in voicing grievances openly.
Prattes, who has consistently appeared on Globo productions over the past ten years (excluding 2021), is seen as one of Globo's bets for the renewal of leading man roles. His abrupt pivot from protagonist to what some termed “luxury support” was unwelcoming for both the actor and the audience, evident by the online petitions demanding Rudá's exit from the storyline.
Following the backlash of his post, Prattes remained untroubled, even sharing another social media message from his production team. The sentiment expressed gratitude and optimism rather than concern for his previous post: 'Nicolas, this is not goodbye, just see you soon because we have mania for you. Thank you for everything on this our path. Fly high and see you soon. Success! With love, Carlos, Guga, and the entire 'Mania de Você' team.'
Despite the potential damage of his perceived discontent toward Globo's direction, Prattes maintained his focus on the positive experiences he's had during his time with the crew. He commented, 'I do the novela for the audience, not for myself; the audience's response is God's response.' This perspective indicates his dedication and resilience, regardless of the public's criticism or the challenges faced behind the scenes.
Rudá's death scene is set to air shortly, following which the character will be pursued through the woods2—an ironic twist reflecting his fading prominence on the show. Overall, the entire ordeal has revealed both the pressures actors face within the network and the audience's engagement with character arcs. While Prattes remains committed to his craft, the episode serves as a cautionary tale for other stars on the network—highlighting the delicate balance between artistic freedom and corporate communication.
With anticipation building for Rudá's fate, audiences are curious not only about the character's conclusion but also about the impact this incident will have on Prattes' future projects within Globo. What remains clear is the intense scrutiny actors face from both their employers and the viewing public, making their journeys through the industry increasingly complex.