Black Rabbit: Is Joe Mancuso deaf in the latest Netflix thriller? Details explored

Black Rabbit | Image Via: Aggregate Films
Black Rabbit | Image Via: Aggregate Films

In the newest Netflix thriller series, Black Rabbit, two brothers embark on a journey that leads them into the criminal world. The series is already making headlines one after another, and rightfully so. Black Rabbit tells the story of two brothers, Jake and Vince Friedken, who are poles apart from one another and have their own set of goals.

However, soon their paths coincide once again, and they find themselves stuck in the criminal world, where their only escape is right through the danger. The danger they face is none other than Joe Mancuso. Joe Mancuso is the primary antagonist of the series and becomes an intriguing character from the get-go. This is not just because of his broody nature, but also because he is actually deaf.


Joe Mancuso in Black Rabbit is deaf

Yes, the head of the criminal underworld, with a multitude of dangerous people working under him, is deaf. However, his deafness does not make him any less dangerous. Despite his deafness, he holds a powerful position as the crime boss and controls the criminal world with distinct strength. In the scenes with Joe Mancuso, it can be seen that he uses American Sign Language to communicate with his subordinates.

Black Rabbit | Image Via: Aggregate Films
Black Rabbit | Image Via: Aggregate Films

His son, Junior, is the interpreter for him when he is speaking with people who are not familiar with sign language. However, the most striking aspect of this whole scenario is that Joe Mancuso’s entire gang is aware of American Sign Language. It not only shows how powerful he is but also highlights the respect he commands among his gang.

Joe Mancuso might not use words to communicate with others or shower his wrath through speech, but his striking gaze is enough to incapacitate his enemies. Troy Kotsur does an incredible job perfectly depicting such a dangerous figure. Through his acting prowess, Joe Mancuso’s complex character becomes genuine and authentic.

Black Rabbit | Image Via: Aggregate Films
Black Rabbit | Image Via: Aggregate Films

Did you know actor Troy Kotsur is deaf? His performance as Joe Mancuso is a powerful example of his acting skill. It shows how a character can be written to be inclusive. The manner in which Black Rabbit’s creators use Troy Kotsur’s talent to shape Joe Mancuso’s character is truly remarkable.

Troy Kotsur’s performance as Joe Mancuso is a testament to his ability to depict such an intimidating character with utmost perfection. Some of Troy Kotsur’s other works that can definitely be on your watchlist besides Black Rabbit are Cyrano, CODA, and many more.

Besides Troy Kotsur, each character in Black Rabbit also portrays their roles in a nuanced manner. The very talented English actor Jude Law brings the character of Jake Friedken to life. Jake Friedken undergoes numerous challenges throughout the series.

The manner in which Jude Law handles the complexity of Jake’s character is truly worth appreciating. Jake Friedken’s brother, Vince, played by Arrested Development star Jason Bateman, is a character worth diving into. Zach Baylin and Kate Susman, who helm the creation of such a thrilling series, are undoubtedly masters of storytelling. No wonder this series has received such positive reviews from both viewers and critics. The series has a 7.0 rating on IMDb.


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Edited by KOUSHIKI ROY