Juliano Tchula takes a stand against the use of his image in a film about Marília Mendonça, reinforcing lawyers’ requests
Composer Juliano Tchula, known for his partnership with Marília Mendonça, who passed away in 2021, broke a long period of silence to publicly comment on the singer’s future biopic. He used his social networks to express his position.
Last Friday, the 3rd, Tchula made it clear that he has no objections to the script or the way his persona can be approached in the film, but highlighted his categorical refusal to have his image used in the production.
Marília Mendonça’s story will be adapted for the big screen, with singer Marina Versos in the main role. The Prime Video project already has names like Hermila Guedes, Klara Castanho, Marcelo Serrado and Sophia Valverde confirmed in the cast. Filming is scheduled to begin in July, with a release scheduled for 2027.
Information indicates that actor João Guilherme would be scheduled to play composer Juliano Tchula in the film.
Tchula’s video demonstration became public one day after his wife, Flavi Soares, revealed that the family’s legal team had already contacted the producers. Flavi stated that her husband did not grant authorization for the use of his image in the film and that the lawyers had been in contact for months.
Flavi, who shared the video of Tchula (himself without a social media profile), commented on her husband’s unusual appearance. She highlighted that the production managed to make someone who was averse to the internet and video recordings come forward, mentioning that he has been away from the networks for seven years and is going through a conversion phase, reaffirming that the family does not disrespect anyone and will not accept disrespect.
The composer revealed that, around two years ago, he had already instructed his lawyers to notify the team responsible about his unwillingness to participate in a possible film. He criticized the production’s insistence, which brought the issue to the surface again.
Tchula reiterated that his legal representatives have already re-contacted to formalize that he does not wish to appear in the production. He emphasized that the script or the way it will be represented are not relevant to him, prioritizing his current life with his family and his faith, and not the past.
He explained that his intervention was in response to attacks directed at his wife on digital platforms. The musician clarified that his wife acts as his representative, at his request, and minimized the online discussions, stating that people were getting into fights over someone they don’t know.
The artist stressed that he is not seeking financial gain from the biopic, as he no longer receives royalties, but defends his personal right not to have his image shown in the film. He reinforced: “I don’t want you to use my image.”
Tchula emphasized that his past serves his faith and that he does not care about other people’s opinions. However, he felt the need to speak out due to the repercussions of the case, something he did not want. His goal, he said, is to live happily with his family and his faith, wishing the same for others.
The partnership between Juliano Tchula and Marília Mendonça resulted in hundreds of compositions, many of which became huge hits. Among the best known are “Lover has no home”, “Whose fault is it” and “A Flor e o Beija Flor”.
Marília Mendonça passed away in 2021, aged 26, victim of a plane crash. His compositions, with striking and romantic lyrics and melodies, conquered the country. Recognized as one of the most prominent figures in the country music scene, she was one of the leaders of the “feminejo” movement, which, from 2016 onwards, revolutionized the genre by placing women as protagonists in a musical universe that had previously been predominantly male. This legacy not only shaped country music, but also opened doors for a new generation of female artists, consolidating its cultural and artistic importance.
