Thuso Mbedu strikes ground-breaking production deal with Paramount+

After playing the lead in Barry Jenkins’ historical 10-part series, The Underground Railroad, Thuso Mbedu is now taking on another production venture. According to Deadline, the South African actress has teamed up with Paramount+, an American-based streaming service, to create, develop and produce scripted and documentary programmes that focus on social issues like equity, climate and health. 

ALSO READ: Thuso Mbedu marks first-ever win at Independent Spirit Awards [watch]

PARAMOUNT+’S VIS SOCIAL IMPACT DIVISION 

As per Variety, Viacom International Studios (VIS) Social Impact is the new studio division of Paramount that is dedicated to developing socially impactful content. 

The division forms part of Viacom’s “Content for Change” initiative which was established to combat racism, bias, stereotypes and hate throughout the company. 

“For decades, we’ve told stories that matter and we understand the significant role entertainment plays in shaping minds and ultimately driving change,” said president and CEO, Raffaele Annecchino. 

“Now with VIS Social Impact, we will harness the power of storytelling to challenge stereotypes, shift perceptions and create meaningful change in the critical areas of climate, equity and health,” said Annecchino. 

THUSO MBEDU PARTNERS WITH PARAMOUNT+

Thuso Mbedu, who won her first Independent Spirit Award for her role in The Underground Railroad, will partner with Paramount+ to create socially-impact shows outside of the United States. 

“Having been privileged to work with Thuso on MTV Shuga: Down South, I’ve seen her powerful creative talent first-hand; I’m in no doubt that her skill and expertise will help our studio develop ground-breaking social impact-driven content with worldwide appeal,” said Senior Vice President of International Responsibility at Paramount, Georgia Arnold. 

Mbedu added: “As Africans, we have so many unique and diverse cultures, histories and experiences that the world needs see and hear about and as an African woman, to get an opportunity to tell stories that will uplift, empower and shape new ways of thinking and seeing the world, is absolutely amazing.” 

ALSO READ: HCA Awards: Thuso Mbedu up against Kate Winslet and Zendaya

THUSO MBEDU IN ‘THE WOMAN KING’

The 30-year-old actress is set to star in The Woman King directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. Mbedu will play the role of Nawi alongside Viola Davis, Masali Baduza, Makgotso Monyemorathoe, Thando Dlomo and more. 

The historical epic film is set to hit the big screen on 16 September 2022. 

ALSO READ: ‘The Woman King’: Mzansi actors set to star in the ‘historical epic’ [photos]