Local actress Pearl Thusi is set to star in online movie and TV show service Netflix’s first ever African original series.
The show, titled Queen Sono, will see Pearl, take on the role of a top spy in a South African agency whose purpose is to better the lives of African citizens.
While taking on her most dangerous mission yet, she must also face changing relationships in her personal life.
A thrilled Pearl tweeted: “Africa’s first @netflix original ! A thrilling story about a kickass female spy. Can’t wait for you guys to see what we have in store for you ! @NetflixSA.”
#QueenSono- Africa’s first @netflix original ! A thrilling story about a kickass female spy. Can’t wait for you guys to see what we have in store for you ! @NetflixSA pic.twitter.com/z0LtRTbspv
— Pearl Thusi (@PearlThusi) December 10, 2018
The series, which is expected to launch in 190 countries in 2019, will be created by comedian and director Kagiso Lediga, and executive producer Tamsin Andersson.
IOL Entertainmentspoke to Netflix’s Erik Barmack and Kelly Luegenbiehl.
Kelly, Netflix’s Vice President of International Originals for Europe and Africa, revealed they are excited to collaborate with Kagiso and Pearl.
“We love the team behind the show, [and] we’re passionate about coming in and doing something that feels fresh and different. It’s really exciting for us,” she said.
TEAMWORK: Kagiso Lediga and Pearl
“Their point of view and creating a strong female character was really something that also really drew us to it.
“It [Queen Sono] will also have dramatic elements, a bit of humour and be very character driven. There’s a lot of love and passion that they’re putting into this project that we’re excited to bring to the screen.”
Erik, Netflix’s Vice President of International Originals, added: “Taking talent like this and telling stories to the rest of the world puts Pearl in the same category as other strong female characters like Claire Underwood in House of Cards and Jessica Jones.”
Erik also revealed Queen Sono is only the first of many productions they would like to do in Africa.
“Over time our roots will get deeper in Africa and South Africa, and we’re moving pretty quickly to that now, and plan to invest more in local content,” he said.