According to Deadline, Showtime has dropped King Shaka, an epic historical drama series executive produced by Antoine Fuqua. As King Shaka was actually set to finish shooting in less than two weeks, that’s a shame, but the producers are exploring other options to find a new home for the series.
Deadline has heard that King Shaka was “permanently shut down over the weekend,” but that most of the filming had been completed. There were 12 days of shooting left, but it seems that there’s enough footage to assemble a full season of the series. King Shaka was said to be one of Showtime’s largest-scale production, with a large cast and complicated battle scenes driving the budget up to $90 million. Tipped as one of Showtime’s largest-scale productions ever, the $90 million sprawling tale, a longtime passion project for Fuqua, involves a large cast and elaborate battle scenes.
Related Antoine...
Deadline has heard that King Shaka was “permanently shut down over the weekend,” but that most of the filming had been completed. There were 12 days of shooting left, but it seems that there’s enough footage to assemble a full season of the series. King Shaka was said to be one of Showtime’s largest-scale production, with a large cast and complicated battle scenes driving the budget up to $90 million. Tipped as one of Showtime’s largest-scale productions ever, the $90 million sprawling tale, a longtime passion project for Fuqua, involves a large cast and elaborate battle scenes.
Related Antoine...
- 4/3/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
The Showtime limited series “King Shaka” is no longer moving forward at the premium cabler, Variety has confirmed.
The series tells the story of the titular Zulu king, who will be played by Charles Babalola. According to an individual with knowledge of the production, filming had been mostly completed on the historical epic series and Showtime and producer CBS Studios plan to shop it to other outlets.
This marks the latest completed series to be moved off Showtime as the network prepares to be merged with Paramount+. The drama “Three Women” recently left Showtime only to be picked up by Starz. Likewise, “Ripley” starring Andrew Scott moved to Netflix after originally being ordered at Showtime.
“King Shaka” was originally ordered to series in 2021. Along with Babalola, the cast for the series includes Thapelo Mokoenaas, Warren Masemola, Aïssa Maïga, Thando DIomo, Charmaine Bingwa, and Nkeki Obi-Melekwe.
“King Shaka” is created and...
The series tells the story of the titular Zulu king, who will be played by Charles Babalola. According to an individual with knowledge of the production, filming had been mostly completed on the historical epic series and Showtime and producer CBS Studios plan to shop it to other outlets.
This marks the latest completed series to be moved off Showtime as the network prepares to be merged with Paramount+. The drama “Three Women” recently left Showtime only to be picked up by Starz. Likewise, “Ripley” starring Andrew Scott moved to Netflix after originally being ordered at Showtime.
“King Shaka” was originally ordered to series in 2021. Along with Babalola, the cast for the series includes Thapelo Mokoenaas, Warren Masemola, Aïssa Maïga, Thando DIomo, Charmaine Bingwa, and Nkeki Obi-Melekwe.
“King Shaka” is created and...
- 4/3/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Showtime has axed King Shaka, its upcoming epic drama series executive produced by Antoine Fuqua, which tells the sweeping story of the Zulu Empire founder.
It marks the latest new series to be canned at the network before it has aired amid a programming overhaul at Showtime, which is being merged with sister streamer Paramount+ and will be renamed as Paramount+ with Showtime.
While King Shaka will not run on Showtime, the premium network is working on multiple other drama projects with diverse storytelling as part of recently announced three main programming lanes, including a project from The Chi showrunner Justin Hillian; Panda, from Fresh Off the Boat’s Eddie Huang; and Quiet in Her Bones, from writer Aminta Goyel.
Showtime also plans to add diversity to the Billions franchise as it is undergoing expansion with spinoffs.
Deadline understands that King Shaka, which is being headlined by Charles Babalola,...
It marks the latest new series to be canned at the network before it has aired amid a programming overhaul at Showtime, which is being merged with sister streamer Paramount+ and will be renamed as Paramount+ with Showtime.
While King Shaka will not run on Showtime, the premium network is working on multiple other drama projects with diverse storytelling as part of recently announced three main programming lanes, including a project from The Chi showrunner Justin Hillian; Panda, from Fresh Off the Boat’s Eddie Huang; and Quiet in Her Bones, from writer Aminta Goyel.
Showtime also plans to add diversity to the Billions franchise as it is undergoing expansion with spinoffs.
Deadline understands that King Shaka, which is being headlined by Charles Babalola,...
- 4/3/2023
- by Peter White and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Charmaine Bingwa (The Good Fight) & Nkeki Obi-Melekwe (Tina -The Tina Turner Musical) are set as series regulars opposite Charles Babalola in Showtime’s King Shaka, (fka Shaka: King of the Zulu Nation), executive produced by Antoine Fuqua. Tony Kgoroge (Invictus), Sindi Dlatu (The River) and Bahle Hadebe (Bone of My Bones) also have been cast in recurring roles in the series from writers Olu Odebunmi and Tolu Awosika, Propagate, Fuqua Films and CBS Studios.
Rooted in actual events, King Shaka tells the story of the Zulu Empire founder Shaka (Babalola) and his unlikely rise to power, uniting multiple tribes across vast stretches of southern Africa in the early 19th century to transform his power into legend, on par with history’s most seminal figures. The outcast son of a Zulu Chief, Shaka is a visionary who is prophesied to become a king like none before him. In ferocious battles that test the body and soul,...
Rooted in actual events, King Shaka tells the story of the Zulu Empire founder Shaka (Babalola) and his unlikely rise to power, uniting multiple tribes across vast stretches of southern Africa in the early 19th century to transform his power into legend, on par with history’s most seminal figures. The outcast son of a Zulu Chief, Shaka is a visionary who is prophesied to become a king like none before him. In ferocious battles that test the body and soul,...
- 9/30/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Charmaine Bingwa (“The Good Fight”) and Nkeki Obi-Melekwe (“Tina -The Tina Turner Musical”) have been added to Showtime’s “King Shaka” cast as series regulars, the network announced on Thursday. Tony Kgoroge (“Invictus”), Sindi Dlatu (“The River”) and Bahle Hadebe (“Bone of My Bones”) will guest star in recurring roles.
According to their character descriptions, Bingwa will portray Isisa, a strong and very capable warrior whose loyalty is challenged after receiving a fateful encounter. Obi-Melekwe will play the Locust Queen, a mysterious leader of a migrant tribe of outcasts who gives herself an advantage by tapping into her deep knowledge of the spiritual world.
Kgoroge will guest star as Chief Senzangakhona, the proud leader of the Zulu people who denies Shaka’s birthright; Dlathu as Inyoni, a council leader and midwife; and Hadebe as young Shaka.
The group joins previously announced cast members Charles Babalola as King Shaka; Thapelo Mokoenaas as Gendeyana,...
According to their character descriptions, Bingwa will portray Isisa, a strong and very capable warrior whose loyalty is challenged after receiving a fateful encounter. Obi-Melekwe will play the Locust Queen, a mysterious leader of a migrant tribe of outcasts who gives herself an advantage by tapping into her deep knowledge of the spiritual world.
Kgoroge will guest star as Chief Senzangakhona, the proud leader of the Zulu people who denies Shaka’s birthright; Dlathu as Inyoni, a council leader and midwife; and Hadebe as young Shaka.
The group joins previously announced cast members Charles Babalola as King Shaka; Thapelo Mokoenaas as Gendeyana,...
- 9/29/2022
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Oz) and Mustafa Shakir (Luke Cage) are set as leads opposite Charles Babalola in Showtime’s King Shaka drama series. Additionally, Terry Pheto (Tsotsi) and Lerato Mvelase (Justice Served) will recur in the series executive produced by Antoine Fuqua.
Rooted in actual events, King Shaka tells the story of the Zulu Empire founder Shaka (Babalola) and his unlikely rise to power, uniting multiple tribes across vast stretches of Africa in the early 19th century to transform his power into legend, on par with history’s most seminal figures. The outcast son of a Zulu Chief, Shaka is a visionary who is prophesized to become a king like none before him. In ferocious battles that test the body and soul, in alliances that test the bonds of love and friendship, a complex sociological system plays out that renders the human cost front and center, for the victors as well as the vanquished,...
Rooted in actual events, King Shaka tells the story of the Zulu Empire founder Shaka (Babalola) and his unlikely rise to power, uniting multiple tribes across vast stretches of Africa in the early 19th century to transform his power into legend, on par with history’s most seminal figures. The outcast son of a Zulu Chief, Shaka is a visionary who is prophesized to become a king like none before him. In ferocious battles that test the body and soul, in alliances that test the bonds of love and friendship, a complex sociological system plays out that renders the human cost front and center, for the victors as well as the vanquished,...
- 9/8/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Antoine Fuqua might have been known best for his big screen blockbuster work, but in the past few years, he's made a pretty triumphant transition to streaming. Of course, it took some "adjusting" on the director's part — with the Mark Wahlberg starrer "Infinite" quietly released on Paramount+, and the Jake Gyllenhaal-led thriller "The Guilty" making a similar debut on Netflix — but Fuqua has since found a major groove with television. With producer credits on the celebrated "Mayor of Kingstown" and the recent release of Prime Video series "The Terminal List," Fuqua is enjoying the freedom that long-form entertainment affords.
"I found it to be a really positive thing," Fuqua told /Film's Jack Giroux. The freedom of the new streaming landscape reminds the filmmaker of the risk-taking on display in the '70s. "You got a chance to just come in and try some things and be brave," Fuqua added,...
"I found it to be a really positive thing," Fuqua told /Film's Jack Giroux. The freedom of the new streaming landscape reminds the filmmaker of the risk-taking on display in the '70s. "You got a chance to just come in and try some things and be brave," Fuqua added,...
- 8/26/2022
- by Lyvie Scott
- Slash Film
Charles Babalola (“The Outlaws”) has been cast as Shaka in the highly anticipated new series “King Shaka,” Showtime announced on Thursday.
The epic drama tells the story of one man’s personal journey from a stigmatized childhood to becoming a legendary king. Babalola will join series regulars Aïssa Maïga (“The Fear Index”) as Nandi, Shaka’s devoted mother who will sacrifice everything to fulfill her son’s destiny; and Thando DIomo (“The Woman King”) as Pampatha, a herder who finds her fate forever entwined with Shaka’s.
Also featured among the cast is Thapelo Mokoena (“Bulletproof”), who will guest star as Gendeyana, a Qwabe leader who grows close to Shaka and Nandi; and Warren Masemola (“Queen Sono”) as Magazwa, who provides safe haven to Shaka and Nandi but at a cost.
Production will take place next month in King Shaka’s South African hometown, KwaZulu-Natal (Kzn). The series will be...
The epic drama tells the story of one man’s personal journey from a stigmatized childhood to becoming a legendary king. Babalola will join series regulars Aïssa Maïga (“The Fear Index”) as Nandi, Shaka’s devoted mother who will sacrifice everything to fulfill her son’s destiny; and Thando DIomo (“The Woman King”) as Pampatha, a herder who finds her fate forever entwined with Shaka’s.
Also featured among the cast is Thapelo Mokoena (“Bulletproof”), who will guest star as Gendeyana, a Qwabe leader who grows close to Shaka and Nandi; and Warren Masemola (“Queen Sono”) as Magazwa, who provides safe haven to Shaka and Nandi but at a cost.
Production will take place next month in King Shaka’s South African hometown, KwaZulu-Natal (Kzn). The series will be...
- 8/25/2022
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The Outlaws star Charles Babalola is set to headline Showtime’s King Shaka, (fka Shaka: King of the Zulu Nation), executive produced by Antoine Fuqua.
Babalola will play the title role in the epic drama series, centered around one man’s personal journey from stigmatized childhood to warrior king, which hails from writers Olu Odebunmi and Tolu Awosika, Propagate, Fuqua Films and CBS Studios. Production kicks off next month in the historic KwaZulu-Natal (Kzn) South Africa province, the birthplace of King Shaka, and will be fully shot in South Africa for a 2023 debut on Showtime.
Also cast as series regulars in King Shaka are Aïssa Maïga (The Fear Index) as Nandi, Shaka’s devoted mother who will sacrifice everything to fulfill her son’s destiny; and Thando Dlomo (The Woman King) as Pampatha, a herder who finds her fate forever entwined with Shaka’s. Thapelo Mokoena (Bulletproof) will guest star as Gendeyana,...
Babalola will play the title role in the epic drama series, centered around one man’s personal journey from stigmatized childhood to warrior king, which hails from writers Olu Odebunmi and Tolu Awosika, Propagate, Fuqua Films and CBS Studios. Production kicks off next month in the historic KwaZulu-Natal (Kzn) South Africa province, the birthplace of King Shaka, and will be fully shot in South Africa for a 2023 debut on Showtime.
Also cast as series regulars in King Shaka are Aïssa Maïga (The Fear Index) as Nandi, Shaka’s devoted mother who will sacrifice everything to fulfill her son’s destiny; and Thando Dlomo (The Woman King) as Pampatha, a herder who finds her fate forever entwined with Shaka’s. Thapelo Mokoena (Bulletproof) will guest star as Gendeyana,...
- 8/25/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The first episode of “61st Street” lays the foundation for a story that’s become all too familiar on television and in reality alike. Over eight episodes, AMC’s new drama (executive produced by Michael B. Jordan) depicts the before, during, and frantic after of a Chicago drug bust that ends in two deaths: Rufus (Kevin Tre’von Patterson), a Black teen with deep roots in the community, and Offer Mike Rossi (Patrick Mulvey), who had been quietly investigating his precinct for corruption before this fateful day. While the cops call Rufus’ death an open and shut case of an officer defending himself, they pin Rossi’s on Moses Johnson (Tosin Cole), a promising track star caught in the wrong place at the wrong time while trying to get his brother Joshua (Bentley Green) home, before an accidental brush with Rossi sent the cop’s head into a protruding pipe, killing him almost instantly.
- 4/8/2022
- by Caroline Framke
- Variety Film + TV
Showtime has ordered a drama series about Zulu king Shaka, with Antoine Fuqua onboard to direct and executive produce, Variety has learned.
“Shaka: King of the Zulu Nation” hails from writers and executive producers Olu Odebunmi and Tolu Awosika. Rooted in actual events, the series chronicles Shaka’s unlikely rise to power, uniting multiple tribes across vast stretches of Africa in the early 19th century to transform his power into legend, on par with history’s most seminal figures.
“This project offers a gateway to our past that is so critical to our global history and yet so often marginalized,” said Fuqua. “Through “Shaka: King of the Zulu Nation,” we hope to bring this saga to life, all the tears, sweat and blood, all the joy and sorrow, all the intimacy and intensity and humanity. In short, we’re going to rock the world with this one.”
Odebunmi and Awosika...
“Shaka: King of the Zulu Nation” hails from writers and executive producers Olu Odebunmi and Tolu Awosika. Rooted in actual events, the series chronicles Shaka’s unlikely rise to power, uniting multiple tribes across vast stretches of Africa in the early 19th century to transform his power into legend, on par with history’s most seminal figures.
“This project offers a gateway to our past that is so critical to our global history and yet so often marginalized,” said Fuqua. “Through “Shaka: King of the Zulu Nation,” we hope to bring this saga to life, all the tears, sweat and blood, all the joy and sorrow, all the intimacy and intensity and humanity. In short, we’re going to rock the world with this one.”
Odebunmi and Awosika...
- 3/16/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
We return with another edition of the Indie Spotlight, highlighting recent independent horror news sent our way. Today’s feature includes digital and DVD release information on The Seasoning House, a trailer for Loss of Life, first details on The Cage, the short film “Don’t Move,” and much more:
The Seasoning House Release Details: “Acclaimed prosthetic effects designer Paul Hyett (The Woman in Black, Unknown) makes his directorial debut with the harrowing horror revenge thriller The Seasoning House, debuting on Digital, Blu-ray™ and DVD December 10th from Well Go USA Entertainment. The chilling film stars Rosie Day (Sixteen), Sean Pertwee (Event Horizon), Kevin Howarth (Gallowwalkers, The Last Horror Movie) and Anna Walton (Hellboy II: The Golden Army). In The Seasoning House, young girls are prostituted to the military and an orphaned deaf mute (Day) is enslaved to care for them. She moves between the walls and crawlspaces, showing a little kindness when she can.
The Seasoning House Release Details: “Acclaimed prosthetic effects designer Paul Hyett (The Woman in Black, Unknown) makes his directorial debut with the harrowing horror revenge thriller The Seasoning House, debuting on Digital, Blu-ray™ and DVD December 10th from Well Go USA Entertainment. The chilling film stars Rosie Day (Sixteen), Sean Pertwee (Event Horizon), Kevin Howarth (Gallowwalkers, The Last Horror Movie) and Anna Walton (Hellboy II: The Golden Army). In The Seasoning House, young girls are prostituted to the military and an orphaned deaf mute (Day) is enslaved to care for them. She moves between the walls and crawlspaces, showing a little kindness when she can.
- 10/6/2013
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Another indie feature film to look out for in the next year or so... Writer/director Olu Odebunmi and the rest of his production team successfully raised over $40,000 to go towards production of his feature film, a thriler titled Mzungu, which explores an American traveler’s unexpected nightmare while vacationing in Africa - specifically Kenya. Of course, the American is white, hence the title, which is, in short, Swahili for "white man." Olu will direct from a script penned by Tolu Awosika, with Olatunde Osunsanmi (director of genre fare like The Fourth Kind for Universal Pictures starring Milla Jovovich, and The Cavern) will exec...
- 11/5/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Chicago – Does anyone else remember when crappy straight-to-dvd sequels were pretty much reserved for horror movies and kid’s flicks? Sure, we expected a new “Leprechaun” or “Air Bud” movie every now and then, but the action market has really gotten into this game recently and produced their share of junk. Take for example the awful “Smokin’ Aces 2,” a shoot-em-up that makes Joe Carnahan’s original look like a genre classic by comparison.
“Smokin’ Aces” Blu-Ray Rating: 3.5/5.0
To be fair, the original “Smokin’ Aces,” also recently released on Blu-ray to coincide with the ignominious debut of its quasi-sequel, Is a genre classic to a lot of young fans who turned it into a massive hit on the home market. Action films always do well on DVD and “Smokin’ Aces” is an unapolegetic bullet opera with a ridiculously talented cast.
Watching “Smokin’ Aces” again in glorious HD (Universal’s 1080p transfers...
“Smokin’ Aces” Blu-Ray Rating: 3.5/5.0
To be fair, the original “Smokin’ Aces,” also recently released on Blu-ray to coincide with the ignominious debut of its quasi-sequel, Is a genre classic to a lot of young fans who turned it into a massive hit on the home market. Action films always do well on DVD and “Smokin’ Aces” is an unapolegetic bullet opera with a ridiculously talented cast.
Watching “Smokin’ Aces” again in glorious HD (Universal’s 1080p transfers...
- 1/28/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Film Rating: 5/10
Bluray Rating: 8/10
Director: P.J. Pesce
Writers: Olatunde Osunsanmi, Olumide Odebunmi, Tom Abrams, P.J. Pesce, Joe Carnahan (story & characters)
Cast: Tom Berenger, Tommy Flanagan, Autumn Reeser, Vinnie Jones
Studio: Universal
Read more on Blu-ray Review: Smokin’ Aces 2: Assassins Ball…
Tweet This! Share this on del.icio.us Share this on Facebook Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Digg this! Email this to a friend?...
Bluray Rating: 8/10
Director: P.J. Pesce
Writers: Olatunde Osunsanmi, Olumide Odebunmi, Tom Abrams, P.J. Pesce, Joe Carnahan (story & characters)
Cast: Tom Berenger, Tommy Flanagan, Autumn Reeser, Vinnie Jones
Studio: Universal
Read more on Blu-ray Review: Smokin’ Aces 2: Assassins Ball…
Tweet This! Share this on del.icio.us Share this on Facebook Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Digg this! Email this to a friend?...
- 1/18/2010
- by John Mulhern
- GordonandtheWhale
Courtesy of Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
Universal gives up the goods on the Smokin' Aces sequel. This is a direct to DVD flick, but should be entertaining as the first installment. It's all about over-the-top action-sequences and cool deaths anyways. Here's what one gets from the DVD release:
Smokin’ Aces 2: Assassins’ Ball, the all-new movie about the adrenaline-pumping world of blood, bullets and badasses, is blasting its way onto Blu-ray™ Hi-Def, DVD and digital download January 19, 2010. Also available On Demand. Executive produced by Joe Carnahan (Narc), the writer-director behind the shockingly edgy hit Smokin’ Aces, and directed by P.J. Pesce (Lost Boys: The Tribe), Smokin’ Aces 2: Assassins’ Ball features a sexy cast, whip-smart script and hyper-kinetic visuals. And, with the return of infamous assassins Lazlo Soot and the Tremor Brothers from the original theatrical film, audiences will experience a furious frenzy of explosive action that will keep them...
Universal gives up the goods on the Smokin' Aces sequel. This is a direct to DVD flick, but should be entertaining as the first installment. It's all about over-the-top action-sequences and cool deaths anyways. Here's what one gets from the DVD release:
Smokin’ Aces 2: Assassins’ Ball, the all-new movie about the adrenaline-pumping world of blood, bullets and badasses, is blasting its way onto Blu-ray™ Hi-Def, DVD and digital download January 19, 2010. Also available On Demand. Executive produced by Joe Carnahan (Narc), the writer-director behind the shockingly edgy hit Smokin’ Aces, and directed by P.J. Pesce (Lost Boys: The Tribe), Smokin’ Aces 2: Assassins’ Ball features a sexy cast, whip-smart script and hyper-kinetic visuals. And, with the return of infamous assassins Lazlo Soot and the Tremor Brothers from the original theatrical film, audiences will experience a furious frenzy of explosive action that will keep them...
- 1/4/2010
- Tampa Film Examiner
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