As we spilt
earlier this year, Mzansi Magic has commissioned a spin-off series of the award winning 2013 movie iNumber Number.
There were no deets about it at the time but now the premiere date and cast have been confirmed and it's an all star whammy of a line-up.
Leading the charge are heavyweights Sdumo Mtshali and Presley Chweneyagae, who reignite their roles as the lead characters Chili Ngcobo and Shoes Moshoeshoe, whose relationship remains at the centre of the action.
Other cast who are blasting back include Ronnie Nyakale and Israel Matseke Zulu, who reprise their roles as Stone and Skroef and Class Act Season 2 winner Tumie Ngumla, who plays Thuli, wife to Shoes.
They're joined by a bevy of big names who take on new characters, namely Sonia Mbele (Generations, Zone 14, Keeping Score), Zola Nombona (Z'bondiwe, Lockdown), Thishiwe Ziqubu (Rhythm City, Tempy Pushas), Sayitsheni Mdakhi (Rhythm City, Heist), Tendaiishe Chitma (Isidingo, Mutual Friends), Dumisani Dlamini (Isibaya, Sokhulu & Partners), Mpho Sibeko (Gauteng Maboneng, Rhythm City, Gold Diggers) and Mncedisi Shabangu (Ingozi, The Lab), who plays untouchable crime boss Mkoto.
A highly noteworthy aspect to the series is that it reflects the long lasting and dramatic impact of SABC1's acting reality search Class Act, which is where it all started.
The series was created by Donovan Marsh, who wrote and directed iNumber Number, and Sdumo and Tumie's roles were part of their prize for winning Seasons 1 and 2 of the show.
Donovan isn't actively involved the new series but he's supporting the show and its new heavyweight directors Rolie Nikiwe (Intersexions, A Place Called Home, Nothing for Mahala) and Catharine Cooke (Intersexions, Swartwater, Geraamtes in die Kas).
The series is produced by Quizzical Pictures. (Rhythm City, Intersexions, Doubt, Shuga)
It premieres on Sunday, 9 July at 20h00.
Here's a preview of what to expect from the official description:
As in the film, the heartbeat of iNumber Number remains the relationship between Chilli and Shoes, whose brotherhood bond comes under a dangerous threat.
In the series, Chilli infiltrates an infamous crime family to bring down the untouchable patriarch (Mkoto).We soon realise Chilli’s motive is not just professional - it's personal.
Meanwhile, Shoes is battling his own demons when his straight and narrow life is thrown into turmoil. A committed cop who believes in his “calling” to serve the people, Shoes’ idyllic life as a father is threatened by criminals as a tactic to intimidate him into withholding evidence.
As Chilli journeys deeper and deeper into the seductive world of organised crime, enticed by having the father he’s always wanted, so does Shoes hurtle into the murky waters of crime - until his case collides with Chilli’s mission.
But are the “brothers” still on the same side of the law?
Familial relationships are tested, bonds are threatened and men of high moral fibre find themselves on a crossroads.