An all-star cast, a master global storyteller, and a dynamic creative team come together to bring a landmark Southern African action thriller to the global stage. M-Net, ITV Studios, Scene23, and Berkeley Media Group (BMG) are set to produce The Invisible, a thrilling 8-part television series adaptation of Deon Meyer’s novel Blood Safari.
The cast is led by Australian Abbie Cornish (Limitless; Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) and Scottish star Dougray Scott (Crime, Enigma) who are also both executive producers on the show. South African stars Kim Engelbrecht (Reyka; Eye in the Sky), Tim Theron (Trackers; Heart of the Hunter), and Tumisho Masha (Mandela’s Gun; Invasion) have signed on as well, with further cast members to be announced soon.
In the shadow of South Africa’s Kruger National Park, a mysterious killer begins executing local poachers. As the body count rises, local Inspector Jack Phatudi is drawn into a dangerous manhunt to unmask the vigilante.
At the same time, Dekker – a former bodyguard with a haunted past – is hired to protect Emma, a South African expat, who returns home to search for her brother whom she believes is still alive, despite his disappearance 20 years ago.
When Phatudi’s investigation collides with Emma and Dekker’s quest, they uncover a buried conspiracy reaching back to the political assassination of a pivotal African leader. As powerful forces close in, all three are forced to confront the explosive truth – one that could rewrite history, and that others will kill to keep hidden.
The Invisible, directed by Jozua Malherbe, who helmed previous Deon Meyer adaptations Devil’s Peak and Trackers, among other acclaimed series, and Amy Jephta, award-winning playwright and filmmaker known for Barakat and Catch Me a Killer, bring this gripping story to life with a powerful creative team. The series is created by author Deon Meyer and William Josef Schneider, the latter taking the lead in writing the TV adaptation, while Tina Kruger serves as creative executive producer.
"To say I’m proud, grateful, and excited about The Invisible as a TV series is a vast understatement," says Meyer, “We’ve worked so hard for two years to put the series together, and now, it’s finally going into production with an excellent broadcast partner and executive production team, great writers, a stellar, international cast, a brilliant director, and the best film crew in the world. How cool is that?”
“The Invisible is a contemporary South African retelling inspired by true events – including the mysterious plane crash that claimed former Mozambican President Samora Machel,” says Nomsa Philiso, Director of Content: General Entertainment, English, and Portuguese-speaking Africa at MultiChoice. “Premiering on M-Net DStv channel 101, this gripping tale is crafted by Deon Meyer, brought to life in Hoedspruit and Cape Town by top local talent, and supported by our co-production partners, ITV Studios, Scene23, and BMG. We’re proud of this collaboration and the platform the series will enjoy on M-Net, where Meyer’s work continues to captivate South African – and global – audiences.”
Julie Meldal-Johnsen, Executive Vice President of Global Content at ITV Studios said, “We’re delighted to be partnering with M-Net, Scene23, BMG, and the IDC, to bring this thrilling and action-packed drama to global audiences. The Invisible marks our first scripted project from a South African producer, hopefully the first of many.”
“We are proud and excited to be working with Abbie Cornish, Dougray Scott, and a hugely talented group of creatives in South Africa on Berkeley Media’s latest international production. With our partners Scene23 and ITV Studios, we aim to bring alive this amazing African story to an appreciative global audience,” said Yu-Fai Suen of Berkeley Media Group.
“With the success of Trackers and Heart of the Hunter proving the global appetite for South African stories, The Invisible is the perfect next chapter,” says Cobus van den Berg, Executive Producer at Scene23. “Based on the work of acclaimed author Deon Meyer, it’s about more than just a television series – it’s a chance to showcase our talent, our landscapes, and our storytelling on an international stage. We are proud to partner with BMG, M-Net, and ITV Studios to bring this story to both local and international audiences.”
The Invisible is produced in association with and distributed internationally by ITV Studios.
More cast and production details about The Invisible will be announced in due course.
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