Juliana Knust tells Zeca Pagodinho’s reaction to learning that she will play Mônica, his wife, in a film

A friend of Zeca Pagodinho and his family for years, Juliana Knust will play Mônica Silva, the singer’s wife, in the film about his life. She is the only person in the cast already 100% confirmed in the production, and says that her proximity to the artist influenced a total of zero people when casting for the film.

“A lot of people think I’m going to do the film because we’re friends, but the truth is that Zeca was only consulted afterwards”, he says. Knust remembers that one day he received an emotional call from the singer, telling him that he had “loved” the choice. “He calls me every now and then to see how I’m doing, but that day he was very happy, he celebrated, and he said it really had to be me in this role.”

The actress remembers how it all happened: “The producer took a photo of me and Mônica to Zeca, put them next to each other and said: ‘It has to be her, look how similar they are'”, she says. Hence her name for the role, reason for the samba singer’s connection —and excitement—.

No release date yet, the film will be directed by Mauro Lima, from “Meu Nome Não É Johnny” and “Tim Maia”, among others. The biopic will not have a specific cut. It covers the entire trajectory of the artist, who has just completed 40 years of career.

The film will highlight friendships and musical partnerships, such as that with composer Beto Sem Braço, as well as stories from his childhood, his relationship with Xerém and folklore episodes from his life.

The superstitious side, almost OCD, will not be left out either. “It’s a very significant trait of his personality”, highlighted Lima in an interview with F5.