Netflix, the world’s leading internet entertainment service, has started production on its first original African series, Queen Sono, an action-packed spy thriller produced by Johannesburg-based Diprente.

Pearl Thusi is to star in the title role as an unconventional spy working for an undercover South African agency devoted to protecting the people of Africa.

The series will include an all-local cast including Vuyo Dabula playing Shandu, an ex-spy who has taken a different path. Sechaba Morojele will be seen as Dr Sid, director of the SOG, with Chi Mhende, Loyiso Madinga, and Rob Van Vuuren, playing agents on his team. Kate Liquorish’s character will be Ekaterina, heiress of an oligarch family with ulterior motives. Khathu Ramabulana will play Queen’s childhood friend, William, now in a relationship with Enhle Maphumulo’s Nova. Mazet, played by Abigail Kubekha, is Queen’s beloved Gogo, who has always supported Queen no matter the trouble she gets herself into.

Rounding out the talented supporting cast are Connie Chiume, Otto Nobela and James Ngcobo.

The six-part series is being produced by Diprente, the Johannesburg-based production company behind Catching Feelings and International Emmy nominated Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola. Showrunner and Director Kagiso Lediga, who was singlehandedly named as one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People 2019, will be joined by Director Tebogo Malope with both directing three episodes each. Impressively enough, is that Malope is in his own right an award-winning director with accolades from Cannes Lions and SAFTA awards under his belt. The team will be led by Executive Producer Tamsin Andersson.

So get your Netflix subscription, and your cuddle-buddy ready, because next year, Netflix and Chill will become Locally Lekker.

The series is expected to launch globally in 2020.

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