Leading Role

Leading Role centers on Aurora Guerra, a beloved teen idol who rose to stardom with a breakout show long before turning twenty. Her rise is tied to a ruthless parental scheme that nudges the casting odds in her favor, a secret Irene keeps as a powerful matriarch. Lúcia, another aspiring actress, enters the same casting and quickly sees the manipulation at play. A confrontation between Irene and Lúcia spirals into violence, leaving Lúcia gravely injured and effectively ending her acting prospects at that moment. Two decades pass and Lúcia returns with vengeance on her mind, convinced Aurora stole her dreams. What she discovers is a web of manipulation that stretches far beyond a single rivalry. The narrative threads bind fame.

Premiered in 2023, Leading Role is the drama created by Ana Casaca. The show centers on intimate character studies rather than big set pieces, drawing on a cast of rising talents and experienced performers to explore fame and family dynamics. Casaca's writing pairs crisp dialogue with quiet, intimate scenes that reveal each character's motive.

The show probes power dynamics in the entertainment world, the cost of chasing fame, and the toll of parental interference. Viewers are invited to weigh ambition against the cost paid by those around the spotlight. Critics note a tight tense narrative powered by evolving relationships.

Even as a 2023 release, the show has sparked conversations about casting power and parental influence in entertainment. Its story prompts discussions about forgiveness, rivalry and how early fame shapes identity, with audiences reflecting on what it means to compete for a dream under the watchful eye of family today.