Spanish actor Manu Ríos, a beloved figure in the hit Netflix teen drama Élite, won't be reprising his role, which has signaled a shift in the show's trajectory.
In light of Ríos' departure and his character Patrick's exit following the season six finale, Brazilian actor André Lamoglia, who portrays his on-screen lover, discussed the aftermath of the departure and dished a little on what to expect for his character, Iván.
In an interview with the Brazilian publication Quem, Lamoglia said, "In the sixth season, the character of Manu Rios, Iván's romantic partner, says goodbye to the series and new love conflicts appear."
He noted that he drew inspiration from the history between Ivan and Patrick in how he approached the life change for his character, saying, "I think the most challenging thing is, each season, to align the essence of Iván's personality with the changes that have been happening to him due to the traumatic situations he experienced in the sixth season."
The series, known for its diverse characters and LGBTQ+ representation, has been celebrated for its inclusivity. A vocal ally, Lamoglia expressed his pride in portraying Ivan and being embraced by queer audiences.
"Struggles such as those involving LGBTQIA+ causes, racism, and feminism should not only belong to the groups they belong to, but to everyone,” he said. "It should be a basic principle to see the person as equal and with the same rights, regardless of his color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc. Honestly, I cannot understand how anyone would find it acceptable to act differently than this, as disrespect is not a matter of opinion."
While Lamoglia remains devoted to Élite, he's branching out with new roles, including a secret English-language project, fulfilling a long-held aspiration. While he keeps the details under wraps, he said, "It was a great desire, after doing works in Spanish and, of course, also in Portuguese, to act in a production in English."
With its attractive cast and diverse storytelling, the series has become Netflix's longest-running Spanish-language show. Fans can anticipate Lamoglia's return as Ivan when Élite's seventh season premieres on October 20th.
