“O Verão da Lata” comedy starring Samantha Schmütz and Babu Santana finishes shooting in Rio. Inspired by 1987 event, set for November 2026 release.
Shooting for O Verão da Lata wrapped in Rio de Janeiro, including scenes in Maricá. This police comedy features a stellar cast revisiting Brazil’s iconic 1987 Verão da Lata.
Plot and directors
Sandra (Samantha Schmütz) and Brasa (Babu Santana) are mismatched federal agents. They tackle thousands of marijuana-filled cans washing ashore, sparking a “green gold rush.”
Along the way, they meet traffickers, corrupt cops, journalists, and opportunists. The story blends crime, politics, and counterculture during Brazil’s redemocratization. Santiago Dellape directs and co-wrote the script with Davi Mattos and Renato Fagundes.
Na Paralela Filmes, Gancho de Nuvem, and Nada Consta produce, with Warner Bros. Discovery and H2O Produções. H2O Films handles distribution in November 2026.
Full cast
Alane Dias debuts in film as Marina, sister to Chico (Igor Jansen), locals who find the first cans. Rafael Saraiva plays Michael, the ship’s cook.
Humberto Martins is Delegate Dantas. Leandro Firmino portrays PF agent Mattos. Polly Marinho plays Cláudia, Brasa’s wife, and Gabi Correa is Janine.
Ademara appears as reporter Cíntia chasing a scoop. Paulinho Serra is trafficker Cadeirinha.
The real 1987 event
In September 1987, the Solana Star dumped 22 tons of marijuana in over 14,000 cans off Angra dos Reis. Seized by Federal Police and Navy, the Thai “veneno” strain hit Southeast beaches.
The Verão da Lata shaped carnival songs, poet Chacal’s verses, and Fernanda Abreu’s “Veneno da Lata.” It defined late-1980s Brazilian pop culture with freedom and irreverence post-dictatorship.
Photos: Luciana Melo
