Rafa Kalimann was given a second chance in Globo soap operas after being banned from Vai na Fé (2023). The influencer passed the tests to play one of the villains in the next seven o’clock soap opera “A Vovó Sumiu”. She will be a thorn in the side of one of the protagonists of the series planned for the first half of 2024.
According to sources from TV news, the channel tested several names including some from outside the artistic world for the role. Rafa will be responsible for terrorizing Juliana Paiva’s character.
The actress, who already worked with Daniel Ortiz in Salvese Quem Puder (2020), will be one of the protagonists alongside Nathalia Dill. They will play two of Frida’s (Arlete Salles) five grandchildren, whose disappearance marks the beginning of the story.
In fact, Arlete will experience a double journey during the recording. After all, she will play twin sisters. Next to Frida she will be the evil Catarina.
Vovó Sumiu is still in the preproduction and casting phase. However, some names have already been defined. Grace Gianoukas will reprise her partnership with Ortiz and Raphael Logam twice nominated for an Emmy for “Impuros” will be one of the antagonists.
Upon request, Globo said that no productions that are still in the development phase will be published. Rafa Kalimann did not return the report via email or messaging app as of the publication of this text.
Blocked on set
Globo had to race against time to cast another actress to replace Rafa Kalimann in Vai na Fé. The influencer was supposed to appear alongside her thenboyfriend José Loreto, but was blocked because she did not have a professional registration regulated by the Regional Labor Office (DRT).
The former BBB would need a special permit from the Union of Artists and Technicians in Amusement Shows of the State of Rio de Janeiro (SatedRJ). However, the agency rejected the broadcaster’s request. She was eventually replaced by Sofia Starling.
Rafa appeared as herself in A Dona do Pedaço (2019) and appeared on television for the first time as influencer Paloma in Rensga Hits! on. She also started as a presenter in the criticized Casa Kalimann (2021) and later took over Circuito Sertanejo (2023).
Influencers in soap operas
Rafa is not the first name with millions of followers to get a chance on Globo soap operas. Jade Picon took on one of the main roles in Travessia (2022). However, she was harshly criticized as Chiara in Gloria Perez’s series.
Diego Martins, who plays Kelvin in Terra e Paixão, has 1 million followers on Instagram. He had previously participated in three reality shows: X Factor Brasil (2015), on Tape; Canta Comigo (2018), on file; and Queen Stars Brasil (2022), from HBO Max.
Kéfera Buchmann, who recently resumed the Cinco Minutos channel on YouTube, made her debut in soap operas with a supporting role in Espelho da Vida (2018).