5 Facts about “Introducing Nate”, movie with Joshua Bassett

With lots of music, exciting adventures and big dreams, “Introducing Nate” arrived last Friday, 1, on Disney+ and it wasn’t even a lie! Furthermore, the incredible Joshua Bassett is part of the cast.

The plot follows Nate Foster (Rueby Wood), a thirteen-year-old boy who dreams of performing on Broadway. The problem is, he can’t even participate in the school play. When his parents leave town, Nate and his best friend Libby (aria brooks) flee to New York in search of a unique opportunity to prove everyone wrong. A chance encounter with Heidi (Lisa Kudrow), an aunt of Nate’s with whom he had lost contact, turns his trip upside down. Together they must learn that life’s greatest adventures are the size of our dreams.

See this photo on Instagram

A post shared by Disney+ Brazil (@disneyplusbr)

Check out five facts about the film below, to get into Nate’s universe and enjoy this great premiere with the whole family:

Based on a famous novel

“Introducing Nate” is an adaptation of the 2013 hit novel “Better Nate Than Ever” by writer Tim Federle, who was inspired by her own experiences as a child in Pittsburgh who loved going to the theater. The book was the first in an award-winning trilogy praised in The New York Times by songwriter and producer Lin-Manuel Mirandawho described it as “a wonderful evocation of what it is like to be a child who loves theater”.

Federle also created and is executive producer of the Disney+ original series, “High School Musical: The Series: The Musical”, and makes his directorial debut in his own film adaptation, now in “Introducing Nate.” The author and director sees his accomplishments as a validation of his own childhood, in which, like Nate, he hoped something would happen.

Hollywood debutant

Finding the perfect actor to bring the charismatic character of Nate Foster to life was no easy task. When the filmmakers first met Rueby Wood, they saw in him a unique spontaneity and talent. The actor was one of the first to audition, singing a song from the musical “Wicked“.

“He was very calm. He didn’t have any film or television credits, but I saw in him that theater kid who is able to pay attention, show who he is, sing really loud and high-pitched, get it wrong and keep singing, which is just like the character.”, recalls Federle. Wood came back six or seven times for an audition, and he always knew the words by heart and easily accepted the direction.

Cast with impressive chemistry

Rueby Wood is joined in the film by a cast of talented actors and actresses, who bring captivating characters to life. In the story, Nate is encouraged to go to Broadway by his best friend Libby, played by actress Aria Brooks. Libby’s glow and unconditional support is inspiring to Nate. When it came time to cast the actress for the role, Federle was impressed with Brooks. “She has unparalleled comedy timing. She and Rueby auditioned together through Zoom as we couldn’t get them in the same room. When they arrived on set the first day, they instantly became best friends.”says the director.

The film also features the participation of the renowned Lisa Kudrow (“Friends”), who plays Nate’s aunt. The actress was quickly drawn to the script and identified with Nate and Libby’s experiences with theater. The cast also includes the actor Joshua Bassettstar of “High School Musical: The Series: The Musical”.

The music is charming and very catchy

Tim Federle actively participated in all musical aspects of “Introducing Nate”. As he had already established a close working relationship with the composer Gabriel Mann in “High School Musical: The Series: The Musical”, chose him to compose the film’s soundtrack.

Among the songs in the film are the originals “Big Time” and “No One Gets Left Behind”, performed by Rueby Wood, and “About to Go AWF”, performed by Aria Brooks and Rueby Wood. In addition, the classic theme “On Broadway” is performed in the film by Rueby Wood and Lucky Chops, and in addition to new versions of hits.

Film for all ages

When reflecting on the arrival of the film to the Disney+, the director does not hesitate to ensure that his greatest aspiration is for the story to be enjoyed as a family, as he did in his childhood watching iconic adventure films. “I grew up in the era of the big movies you could watch with your parents. They laughed at things you didn’t understand, and you laughed at things they thought were for kids, but there was something for everyone.”starts the director.

“I hope audiences feel that this is a movie to watch as a family, with something for all ages. Children of all types deserve to have every type of hero. There is hope for a generation of kids who see themselves in this character and who are encouraged to show themselves as they are. Sometimes you have to step out of line and sing a song.”ends, finally.