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SÃO PAULO, SP (FOLHAPRESS) – Luis Miranda, 55, is returning to telenovelas after more than ten years. His last work in the genre was “Geração Brasil” in 2014. Now, he will play Professor Asdrúbal, a charismatic and cunning character, in “Êta Mundo Melhor”, the sequel to the successful “Êta Mundo Bom” (2016), which premieres on Monday (30) on Globo.
For him, the plot by Walcyr Carrasco and Mauro Wilson recovers a more delicate way of storytelling, which makes a difference in current times. “It’s a soap opera that brings humor that doesn’t hurt anyone. That’s rare and precious. It’s funny, but it’s also affectionate,” the actor tells the reporter.
Miranda says she was inspired by the lightness of the countryside when creating her character. “Asdrúbal is a character who helps Candinho [the protagonist played by Sergio Guizé] in his search for his lost son, and he does this using disguises and funny strategies. He’s the kind of friend who’s there no matter what,” she summarizes.
Although the character is a reinterpretation of Professor Pancrácio—an iconic role played by Marco Nanini in the original soap opera—the actor claims he is leaving his mark. “It’s a character that was already created, of course, but now it takes on my style, with my Bahian perspective,” he says. “I have incredible partners in the cast who help me a lot, so everything has flowed naturally.”
Miranda comments that “Êta Mundo Melhor” evokes the spirit of 1990s soap operas, the kind that gathered the family in front of the TV. She recalls her own mother preparing dinner to watch the prime-time drama, back when information came from the radio or magazines and when the soap opera was the centerpiece of the evening. “Bringing this back will be a great move,” she states.
The actor also celebrates the space given to rural daily life and the values of simple coexistence—subjects that, according to him, the new soap opera handles masterfully. He says he had been missing this in other productions on free-to-air TV. “I think we need to talk more about inland Brazil, about rural culture, living with animals, family sustainability. There’s a delicacy there that has been lost over time,” he evaluates.
Regarding the soap opera’s behind-the-scenes atmosphere, Miranda says the climate couldn’t be better. “I have difficulty working in heavy, conflict-ridden environments. I always try to create a harmonious atmosphere, and I feel that the people around me also seek this. It’s been a pleasure filming this soap opera—and I believe it will remain this way until the end.”
From the cast, the actor highlights the children’s group as one of the great surprises of the production. “There’s Isaac Amendoim, who is a genius. And other wonderful kids. Not to mention the animals: donkey, pig, chicken. All of this helps awaken the child that each of us carries inside.”
He also reflects on the artistic creation process and the challenges of acting. For him, the idea of being completely ready for a role is a myth. “I think we’re never truly prepared for a character. This notion of the prepared actor is an illusion. What really matters is having awareness, listening, and openness to what the scene requires. My approach always starts from that place,” he states.
Finally, he confirms that the audience will see a lighter Luis Miranda, connected to the tone of the work, and eager to make people laugh without causing pain. “It’s a necessary telenovela. It has a more delicate way of telling stories. And we really need to hear stories like this,” he states.