Herizen Guardiola to play lead in Baz Luhrmann's drama

Actress Herizen Guardiola has been cast in Baz Luhrmann's "The Get Down".

The 18-year-old newcomer will star in Luhrmann's 1970s-set Netflix drama, which follows the rising popularity of hip-hop, punk and disco, reported Variety.

Guardiola will play Mylene Cruz, a singer from a religious background who dreams of becoming a disco star.

The actress joins previously announced cast members Shameik Moore, TJ Brown, Justice Smith and Skylan Brooks.

Luhrmann's music drama follows a "rag-tag crew" of South Bronx teenagers who come to change the music scene of the '70s.

"The Get Down" will consist of 13 60-minute episodes which will air on Netflix in 2016.