News

Exclusive: Julie Gayet will star in Boy Under Water, a South African crime drama series from Nagvlug Films and Federation Meac.

The three-time César nominee and President of the doc prize jury at this year’s Cannes Film Festival will play an expat single mother who runs a floating bar with her teenage son in a luxury resort town in South Africa’s North West province. When the body of a 16-year-old Black boy is found bound and battered on the manicured shores of the local golf estate, their search for a fresh start is upended.

Showmax parent MultiChoice has already snapped up African rights for Boy Under Water, which was selected for the 2023 Content London Drama Series Pitch. No international distributor is attached at this stage.

Co-creators on the series are Nagvlug’s Chanél Muller and Nico Scheepers, who just won the 2025 Deleen Bekker Prize from the South African...

Exclusive: Japanese studio Toei Co has signed a co-production development deal with Pambili Media, founded by South African filmmaker Mandla Dube, for historical epic feature film, Yasuke – Way Of The Butterfly (working title), about a real-life African warrior who became a samurai in Japan.

Dube is writing and directing the rare Japan-South Africa collaboration, which is part of Pambili Media’s six-picture development slate backed by the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (Idc).

Set against the rich background of Africa’s Mwenemutapa Empire and its trade ties to India, China and East Asia, the story follows Yasuke on his journey from the African continent to feudal Japan in the 16th century, where he was made a samurai after a local lord recognised his skill and dignity as a warrior. The producers describe it as “a sweeping international cinematic event rooted in untold history and cross-continental connection.”

Spearheaded by Yuji Kojima,...

Exclusive: Bestselling South African scribe Deon Meyer is turning his Last Of Us-esque thriller Fever into a TV series with Federation Meac.

The adaptation, which doesn’t yet have a buyer, is part of a three-project deal struck between Meyer’s Scenne23 and the Federation Studios label, with Meyer set to pen the series himself.

Fever follows Nico Storm and his father Willem, who are the few in South Africa to have survived a devastating virus that wiped out more than 90% of the world’s population. Willem, a thinker and a leader, has a vision for a new community rebuilt from the ruins of the old world, and so Amanzi is formed with a disparate group of survivors. Killing Eve producer Sid Gentle optioned the novel five years ago but that option has run down.

Joachim Landau, who runs Federation Meac, which develops projects mainly in the Middle East, Africa and Caribbean,...

Screen Siren Pictures, the Canadian-based independent production company behind such recent titles as French Exit, Bones of Crows and Indian Horse, on Thursday announced the launch of Scream Siren, a new arm at the company focusing on original, genre-driven storytelling with a spotlight on female protagonists.

Christine Haebler, one of the producers on Scream Siren’s first few films out of the gate, said that the company will apply its “track record of producing elevated art house films to the thriller and horror genre,” prioritizing “unique and compelling stories that resonate with a wide audience, especially with strong female leads that challenge conventions and explore new horizons.”

The label will look to work with both up-and-coming and established writers and directors in the genre space. In addition to Haebler, producers on Scream Siren’s initial slate of films will include the company’s President Trish Dolman and COO, Steven Thibault.

First up on the slate is Ivy, an original teen horror about a malevolent ghost who wreaks havoc on a 17-year-old and everyone who comes into contact with her. Kaare Andrews (Sniper: Assassin’s End) is set to direct the project written and co-produced by Jason Bourque and Paul Birkett.

Next up is Running Girl, a tight action thriller about a young woman who witnesses a harrowing murder only to have to run for her life with a 9-year-old, outwitting the murderers in the high desert. Marie Clements (Bones of Crows) will direct from a script by Deon Meyer (Durban Poison).

Then, there’s Osiris, a supernatural psychological thriller that takes place aboard an IceBreaker on a retrieval mission, which is on a race against time to uncover the origins of a mysterious sound emanating from the deepest part of the southern Atlantic Ocean. Rachel Leiterman will direct from a screenplay by Coz Greenop (Dark Beacon) and Lucinda Royden (It All Comes with Cold Water). This project will be produced in partnership with Gareth Wiley from Phoenix Wiley Films in the UK .

In a statement to Deadline, Dolman stressed that Screen Siren’s genre push through the new label “underscores our dedication to delivering high-quality, captivating content that not only entertains but also sparks meaningful conversations.”

Added Thibault, “Launching our new genre label marks an exhilarating chapter for Screen Siren Pictures. We are thrilled about the projects currently in development and the amazing filmmakers we’ve attached. This initiative not only reinforces our commitment to diverse and original content but also amplifies our impact on the industry.”

Scream Siren’s first trio of films are being cast by Rene Haynes, CSA, whose past works includes Killers of the Flower Moon, Prey and The Revenant. The films are financed and will aim shoot in the fall of 2024 and early Q1 of 2025.

Dolman founded Screen Siren Pictures in 1997, joining forces with veteran producer Haebler and producer and COO Thibault in 2008 and 2023, respectively. Collectively, their productions have screened at Cannes, Berlin, Sundance, TIFF and many other international festivals.

Exclusive: Silverton Siege director Mandla Dube has landed major investment for his next six feature films.

The Industrial Corporation of South Africa (Idc), a national development finance institution, has committed to financing a slate of films from Dube’s Pambili Media.

Dube is best known for Netflix action thriller Silverton Siege, which was inspired by the real-life incident that sparked the Free Mandela movement, and Heart of the Hunter, a title based on Deon Meyer’s best-selling novel that was the first African feature to debut at number one on Netflix’s global charts.

He also made South African liberation film Kalushi and street dancer drama series Jiva, both of which were for Netflix. In 2022, he struck a multi-title development deal with the streamer, as Netflix made a major commitment to production in the country.

Pambili Media, which former music video producer and cinematographer Dube founded several years back, has...

The new action thriller movie Heart of the Hunter, adapted from the gripping novel by Deon Meyer, is set against South Africa’s political landscape as the nation stands on the brink of monumental change with the rise of Mtima to the presidency. Here we can see the conspiracy of the about-to-be president and how he is a threat meant to drive the country into darkness. But Johnny Klein and his devoted team of allies work together to expose these conspiracies to eradicate injustice from the land of Azania, even if it means putting their lives in danger. As Johnny and his comrades fight to uncover the truth, they inspire hope in the hearts of all who dare to dream of a better tomorrow. Will they be successful in their mission? Let’s find out!

Spoilers Ahead

How Did Johnny Klein Die?

We meet Johnny Klein, an esteemed international lawyer...

Exclusive: Tubi has landed U.S. and Canadian rights to South African limited series Devil’s Peak about a Detective tracking down a vigilante killer in Cape Town.

Penned by Moon Knight scribe Matthew Orton, the big-budget five-episode thriller is based on a hit 2004 novel by Deon Meyer and is produced by Happy Valley maker Lookout Point and Expanded Media Productions in association with MultiChoice Studios and BBC Studios. It launched last year locally on South Africa’s M-Net and BBC Studios sells around the world.

Starring Hilton Pelser, the series follows Detective Benny Griessel, who is tasked with tracking down a vigilante killer whose crimes are capturing the imagination of the city. As he gets closer to his mark, Griessel finds himself drawn into a dark and dangerous world where nothing is what it seems.

Fox-owned Tubi has landed U.S. and Canadian rights from next week.

“Devil’s Peak...

Netflix has unveiled a new slate of programming at TV conference Mip Africa. The line-up includes the fourth season of hit drama “Blood & Water” plus a new feature-length rom-com, “Soweto Love Story.”

The streamer also revealed a number of partnerships with South African filmmakers and production outfits. Among them are a deal with Akin Omotoso and Ochre Media for multiple book adaptations, a three-picture partnership with director Donovan Marsh (“iNumber Number”), and a multi-project partnership with production company Gambit Films (“Blood & Water”) across series and features.

“We are incredibly excited to continue with our investment in South African storytelling and to expand our relationships with these amazing storytellers,” said Ben Amadasun, Netflix’s VP of content for Middle East and Africa. “These long-term partnerships with local filmmakers have enabled us to uncover unique perspectives and diverse stories from South Africa to entertain our more than 238 million members around the world.

Netflix has unveiled a swathe of South African content including the first feature from Mandla Dube’s high-profile talent deal and a rom-com titled Soweto Love Story.

During a See What’s Next panel at Mip Africa today, the streamer reiterated a commitment to the nation and talked up a wealth of recently-struck partnerships, with Netflix Middle East and Africa content boss Ben Amadasun saying the investments will “enable us to uncover unique perspectives and diverse stories from South Africa to entertain our more than 238 million members [subscribers] around the world.”

Leading the slate is Heart of the Hunter, the first fruits of Netflix’s three-picture deal with South African Silverton Siege filmmaker Dube, which will launch next year. The feature is described as a twisty spy thriller based on the novel by Deon Meyer. Netflix revealed its Dube tie-up last year at an event in Johannesburg, while it also has...

Netflix unveiled and previewed upcoming original South African series and films at Mip Africa during a panel entitled “See What’s Next on Netflix.” The global streamer also touted multi-title partnerships with local filmmakers.

“We are incredibly excited to continue with our investment in South African storytelling and to expand our relationships with these amazing storytellers,” said Ben Amadasun, Netflix’s vp of content for Middle East and Africa. “These long-term partnerships with local filmmakers have enabled us to uncover unique perspectives and diverse stories from South Africa to entertain our more than 238 million members around the world. This is why we’re committed to investing in South Africa’s creative industry and showcasing the incredible talent the country has to offer.”

Here is a look at the upcoming series:

Miseducation, a new young adult series from Burnt Onion Productions (How to Ruin Christmas) making its debut on Netflix on Sept.

Gentleman Jack producer Lookout Point and Expanded Media Productions are adapting Deon Meyer’s bestseller Devil’s Peak into a five-part series for M-Net.

Set in Cape Town, the thriller is being adapted by Moon Knight writer Matthew Orton and follows talented but broken Detective Benny Griessel, who is tasked with tracking down a righteous vigilante killer whose crimes are capturing the imagination of the city. Benny and grieving father Thobela are brought into the orbit of trapped mother Christine, who is willing to do anything to achieve a better life for herself and her daughter, and the fates of these three characters become inextricably linked as the series builds to its explosive climax.

Series stars Hilton Pelser, Sisanda Henna and Tarryn Wyngaard and is being directed by Jozua Malherbe. Orton is adapting with Amy Jephta, who is also associate producer.

HBO Max is going to the dogs: WarnerMedia’s forthcoming streaming service has ordered the dog grooming competition series Hot Dog (working title).

The 12-episode program will feature “three dog groomers facing off in a full head-to-tail creative competition showcasing canine breeds of all kinds,” per the official synopsis. Each installment will include “imaginative challenges and out-of-the-box themes meant to spotlight the best looks for man’s best friend.”

More from TVLineTVLine Items: Hugh Jackman's HBO Film Trailer, Htgawm Casting and MoreTVLine Items: Gods Adds Danny Trejo, Desus & Mero Renewed and MoreThe TVLine-Up: What's Returning, New and Leaving the Week of Feb.

Kris Mrksa.

Kris Mrksa loves writing Australian dramas but his primary focus now is creating projects for UK producers – and cracking the Us market.

The in-demand screenwriter has created two miniseries for the UK’s New Pictures and is developing two shows for the same producer and another for Lookout Point and Expanded Media.

After signing with ICM he is also looking at opportunities in the Us. “Nothing firm yet, but I have been talking to a few people and there are some interesting projects being discussed,” he tells If.

His first UK commission was Requiem, a six-part supernatural drama/thriller which starred Lydia Wilson as an accomplished cellist whose life is turned upside down after her mother’s suicide, produced by New Pictures for BBC One and Netflix.

New Pictures and ITV then commissioned him to create White House Farm, a crime drama based on the infamous case of Jeremy Bamber,...

Deon Meyer’s novel is a father-son story set in South Africa.

UK production outfit Sid Gentle has bought the television rights to Deon Meyer’s best-selling post-apocalyptic novel, Fever.

The Crown writer Ed Hemming has been brought on board to write the script for the TV series, which will be “set in the near future about a relationship between a father and son after a fever has wiped out 97% of the population,” says Fred Weston Smith, a script editor at Sid Gentle.

Meyer’s novel, Fever, has been published all over the world, including by Hodder in the UK,...

Cinemax has boarded Trackers, a thriller drama series based on the novel by bestselling South African author Deon Meyer.

James Gracie (aka James Alexander Gracie), Rolanda Marais and Ed Stoppard are set to star in the series, a co-production between Cinemax, the South Africa’s M-Net and Germany’s Zdf.

Multichoice’s M-Net and Zdf teamed for Trackers in late 2018, with Jyri Kähönen set to direct all episodes and Ivan Strasburg as director of photography. Around that time, the companies started conversations with Cinemax about coming on board as a co-producer.

Trackers interweaves three story strands into a sophisticated action-packed thriller that covers the length and breadth of South Africa, explosively colliding in Cape Town in a violent conspiracy involving organized crime, smuggled diamonds, state security, Black Rhinos, the CIA and an international terrorist plot.

Gracie plays Lemmer, a man who is seeking revenge while rebuilding his life in a...

South African producers have struck a string of international co-production deals in recent months that are poised to push scripted drama series from the Rainbow Nation onto the global stage.

“We’re very excited about the opportunity to take African stories to the world,” says Yolisa Phahle, CEO for general entertainment at the MultiChoice Group, which includes pay-tv heavyweight DStv and the M-Net group of channels. “It’s all about finding the biggest, best and leading producers of drama in the world to help us distribute our stories.”

MultiChoice is planning to develop three to four scripted drama series with international partners per year. In development are “Trackers,” a six-part TV adaptation of the novel by bestselling South African author Deon Meyer, which is being produced with German broadcaster Zdf; and “Reyka,” a crime series it’s producing with the U.K.’s Serena Cullen Prods. and Emmy-nominated South African production company Quizzical Pictures,...

Bestselling South African author Deon Meyer’s “Trackers” is being adapted for TV after African pay-tv heavyweight Multichoice teamed with German pubcaster Zdf to bring the thriller to the small screen.

“Trackers” interweaves three story strands into a thriller spanning the length and breadth of South Africa and involving organized crime, smuggled diamonds, state security, black rhinos, the CIA, and an international terrorist plot. The TV adaptation will run to six parts and will shoot in and around Cape Town next year.

Meyer will serve as supervising screenwriter on the series. Robert Thorogood (“Death in Paradise”) will be the showrunner. Britain’s Three River Studios and German-based Helle Media put the co-production deal together.

Jyri Kahonon (“Bordertown”) is attached to direct, and Ivan Strasburg (“Treme”) is on board as director of photography. Three River CEO Jonthan Drake said that “the co-production represents the first in a new wave of stories...

Already an international brand in literary circles with his hugely popular crime novels translated into 28 languages around the globe, South African novelist Deon Meyer is making a significant step into the film world as well as a producer on Jagveld - an upcoming Afrikans language crime thriller from his own original script. The story plays with classic tropes - a young woman witnessing the murder of a police officer, then forced to defend herself when the killers realize they've been seen - and after a pair of ultra brief teasers a longer look has just arrived that looks quite promising. Local stars Neels van Jaarsveld, Bouwer Bosch, Leandie du Randt and Tim Theron star. Take a look at them in action below....

[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...

Game Of Thrones star Sean Bean is helping to bring the popular Devil's Peak book trilogy to life on the big screen after landing the lead role in a series of planned movie adaptations.

The British actor will portray Detective Benny Griessel in the three forthcoming projects, based on South African author Deon Meyer's crime and suspense books, about a veteran cop who struggles to balance his family life with his career as he tries to track down a killer.

Production on the first installment will begin in Cape Town, South Africa in September.

Bean has also signed up to continue the story in sequels 13 Hours and 7 Days.

Sean Bean is set to topline "Devil's Peak", the first in a planned trilogy of films based on South African author Deon Meyer's novel series says Variety.

Bean will portray Detective Benny Griessel, an aging alcoholic inspector tasked with stopping a dangerous vigilante who brutally killed a child abuser and is standing up for the children of Cape Town.

Both Griessel and this avenger find their paths crossing when a young prostitute lures them both into a dangerous scheme.

Malcolm Kohll, Michael S. Murphey and Ofir Kedar will produce. Shooting aims to kick off in September.

Some casting info, including news that should make fans of Sean Bean very happy. Here it is in brief: Sean Bean (Game of Thrones) will star in the three-film adaptation of Devil's Peak, a suspense novel trilogy by South African author, Deon Meyer. Paula Patton (Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol) is set to star in Baggage Claim, a comedy adapted and directed by David Talbert from his bestselling 2003 novel. Jamie Hector (The Wire) joins the phenomenal cast of Blood Ties, which includes Mila Kunis (Black Swan) , Zoe Saldana (Colombiana) and Marion Cotillard (Inception). Hit the jump for more on each film. First up from THR comes the awesome news that Bean will star in recurring lead role, Detective Benny Griessel. Did you catch the operative word, "recurring?" As in, for at least two movies, he won't die from being shot, stabbed, beheaded, shot full of arrows (and then beheaded), pulled...

• Rebecca Hall (Vicky Cristina Barcelona) is in talks to star opposite Robert Downey, Jr. in Iron Man 3, as a scientist who specializes in nanotechnology. She landed the key role after Jessica Chastain announced via Facebook that she had to bow out from the film due to scheduling conflicts. Shooting starts on the film with director Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) this month. [Variety]

• Nina Dobrev and Twilight’s Kellan Lutz are in talks to join Project X’s Jonathan Daniel Brown in Kid Cannabis, based on the Rolling Stone article about a group of Idaho teenagers who smuggled marijuana across the Canadian border.

Sean Bean is a wonderful actor and even though he's tough enough in real life to shake off a stabbing and have another pint, his characters seem to have a tough time making it out of the given project alive. In fact, it's hard to think of a major film or television series in which Bean didn't suffer some untimely end a la (Spoilers) GoldenEye's 006, Lord of the Rings' Boromir, or, even more recently, Missing's Paul Winstone. Obviously, this is an exaggeration but it is still nice to see him land a project that seems to offer him a character with some stability. Well, stability in respect to 'staying alive' anyway since the actor has just signed on for the lead role in the first book in Deon Meyer's "Devil's Peak Trilogy." Variety reports that Bean will star as Detective Benny Griessel in the cinematic adaptation of the...

Well, if "Missing" and "Game of Thrones" star Sean Bean is signing on for a film trilogy, it means they can't kill him off right away like every other show does! According to Deadline, Bean is going to be a part of three films based on South African novelist Deon Meyer's "Devil's Peak" trilogy.

The books are about Benny Griessel, a Cape Town detective in the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit. Bean will play Griessel, a man with serious issues including being a recovering alcoholic. The first book "Devil's Peak" appeared in 2004. The second, "Thirteen Hours" in 2009 and "7 Days" in 2011.

Have you guys read the novels? What did you think? Is Sean Bean the perfect fit for Benny Griessel? Are you watching him on "Missing" and what could this mean for a season 2? There were some huge twists in the past episode. We can't wait to see what's coming.

Sean Bean didn’t have much luck as Ned Stark in Game Of Thrones, and he was cursed in Mirror Mirror, so you’d forgive him for seeking out a little break from darkness, sorcery and death. Yet he’s prepared to throw himself into what could be another dangerous tale, signing on to star in a potential psycho-thriller trilogy based on Deon Meyer’s Devil’s Peak series.Peak’s books – Devil’s Peak, Thirteen Hours and 7 Days – were published between 2004 and 2011. The plots follow Benny Griessel (the role Bean is on for), a detective who works for Cape Town’s Serious and Violent Crimes Unit.Griessel, in the long and noble tradition of hard-bitten ‘tecs, is dealing with his demons (family issues and alcoholism in this case) even as he shows off an impressive ability to track down murderers.Producers Malcolm Kohll, Michael S Murphy and Ofir Kedar...

Lord of the Rings star Sean Bean is set to star in the big screen adaptation of author Deon Meyer’s suspense novel series Devil’s Peak. This will be a trilogy of films in which he will play a detective character named Benny Griessel.

According to the book description, the story is a gritty suspense thriller "about revenge, forgiveness, and the race to catch a trained killer." This sounds like it will make for a great film series, and the fact that Bean will be its star is pretty awesome.

Here's a description of the book:

A young woman makes a terrible confession to a priest. An honorable man takes his own revenge for an unspeakable tragedy. An aging inspector tries to get himself sober while taking on the most difficult case of his career. From this beginning, Deon Meyer weaves a story of astonishing complexity and suspense, as...

Sean Bean has signed on to star in Devil's Peak, an adaptation of Deon Meyer's South African crime novel.

The actor will portray Detective Benny Griessel, an aging, alcoholic detective in Cape Town, South Africa who tries to sober up while facing the most important, and dangerous, case of his career. Devil's Peak is the first book in the series, which includes subsequent novels 13 Hours and 7 Days.

Malcolm Kohll, Michael S. Murphey, and Ofir Kedar are producing, with Hersch Klaff, Robbie Little, and Robert Fig executive producing.

The producers are eyeing a September production start in Cape Town, even though no screenwriter or director has been attached yet.

Between Lord of the Rings and the HBO series "Game of Thrones" (not to mention a few other less than stellar titles), British actor Sean Bean has made a habit of dying on screen. However, it sounds like he just might finally survive a film as a lead character as Variety reports Bean is set to lead an entire trilogy of adaptations starting with Devil's Peak, the first installment of the series from Deon Meyer. Bean will play Detective Benny Griessel in the story that follows the aging alcoholic trying to track down a Cape Town vigilante who has taken it upon himself to dispatch with various killers, abusers and other violent criminals. Sounds like "Dexter" but told from the other side of the fence. After Devil's Peak, the story continues with 13 Hours and 7 Days, and while the plan is to have Bean lead a trilogy of films, the ...

South African author Deon Meyer's popular "Devil's Peak" book series is about to get the big-screen treatment, with Sean Bean set to star as Detective Benny Griessel. Bean, who landed the lead as Eddard Stark in HBO's "Game of Thrones" after a memorable turn as Boromir in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, will play the seasoned cop struggling to save his family, his job and his reputation in "Devil's Peak," followed by "13 Hours" and "7 Days." The Little Film Company will handle international sales, as well as introduce the project...

London - South African author Deon Meyer’s suspense novel series Devil’s Peak has been optioned for a film trilogy starring Sean Bean. Producers Malcolm Kohll (Formula 51), Michael Murphey (District 9, Dredd), through his Kalahari Pictures, and Ofir Kedar (A Thousand Kisses Deep) will bring Devil’s Peak: The Trilogy to the big screen. Bean (Lord of the Rings) will star in the recurring lead role of Detective Benny Griessel. The trilogy, based on the novels about "revenge, forgiveness and the race to catch a trained killer," will start with The Devil’s Peak, for which principal photography is scheduled to start

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Lord of the Rings and "Game of Thrones" star Sean Bean has signed on to headline Devil's Peak , Variety reports. Based on the South African series of novels by Deon Meyer, the film is planned to launch a trilogy focusing on the adventures of the same detective protagonist, Benny Griessel. Peak , the first book, is officially described as follows. My name is Benny Griessel and I am an alcoholic. "Hello, Benny," said thirty-two voices in a happy chorus. "Last night I drank a whole bottle of Jack Daniels and I hit my wife. This morning she kicked me out the house. I have gone one day without drinking. I am here because I can't control my drinking. I am here because I want my wife and children and my life back." But getting his life back...