Meet the male cast and characters of Netflix’s sexually-progressive original series ‘Elite’
The buzzy Spanish teen drama has been praised for its progressive portrayal of teen life and sexuality.
By Will Stroude
Words: Will Stroude
If you’re not watching already, Elite is the buzzy new Netflix original series that’s been drawing praise for its progressive portrayal of topics like sexual fluidity, open relationships, class, faith and living with HIV.
Having quickly drawn comparisions to teens dramas like Gossip Girl and 13 Reasons Why, the eight-part Spanish-language series (which you can also watch dubbed in English) has made for eminently addictive viewing since it dropped on the streaming service earlier this month.
It follows the story of three scholarship students who are enrolled at Spain’s elite Las Encinas school after their own school collapses, and quickly clash with their wealthy, privileged classmates – two of whom just happen to be the children of their destroyed school’s developer…
Part high school drama, part murder mystery, Netflix was forced to defend the series from a homophobic backlash on social media this week – proof, if any were needed that it’s doing something right.
It also doesn’t hurt that the show stars some of Spain’s hottest young things, who waste no time dabbling with drama (and each other) from outset.
So to get you in the mood for a binge, here’s a little introduction to Elite‘s esteemed male cast and characters…
Samuel – Itzan Escamilla
Elite’s primary male protagonist is one of three students granted a scholarship to Las Encinas, and soon finds his life turned upside down by a world of wealth, gossip and corruption.
He’s played by Itzan Escamilla.
Nano – Jaime Lorente
The older brother of Samuel, Nano has recently been released from prison as the series begins. But his time behind bars continues to have consequences for both him and his family.
He’s played by 31-year-old Jaime Lorente.
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Christian – Miguel Herrán
Samuel’s best friend and a fellow scholarship student Las Encinas. The class clown, he soon finds himself pulled into a intense sexual game involving the school’s most popular couple.
He’s played by 22-year-old Miguel Herrán.
Polo – Álvaro Rico
One of Las Encinas’ rich kid set, Polo is in a relationship with wealthy socialite Carla (Ester Expósito). But when the pair introduce new student Christian into their relationship, Polo’s forced to confront difficult questions about his own sexuality.
He’s played by Álvaro Rico.
Omar – Omar Ayuso
The older brother of one of the three scholarship students enrolled at Las Encinas, Omar is struggling to keep his sexuality a secret from his convervative Islamic father.
He also deal drugs, which brings him into contact with Las Encinas student, Ander, who is also coming to terms with his own sexuality.
Omar is played by Omar Ayuso.
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Ander – Arón Piper
The son of Las Encinas’s principal, Ander is a tennis protégé who turns to drugs to escape the pressure from his parents, and soon embarks on a romance with his dealer, Omar.
He’s played by 21-year-old Arón Piper.
Guzmán – Miguel Bernardeau
The popular jock of Las Encinas, bullying Guzmán’s quick temper and entitlement quickly bring him into conflict with the new scholarship students.
He’s played by Miguel Bernardeau.
Elite is streaming on Netflix now. Check out the trailer below: