Australian actress Abbie Cornish, known for her roles in “Limitless” and “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” along with Scottish actor Dougray Scott, recognized for his performances in “Crime” and “Enigma,” are set to headline the Southern African action thriller series “The Invisible.”
Joining them in the cast are South Africa’s Kim Engelbrecht (“Reyka,” “Eye in the Sky”), Tim Theron (“Trackers,” “Heart of the Hunter”), and Tumisho Masha (“Mandela’s Gun,” “Invasion”).
Produced by M-Net, ITV Studios, Scene23, and Berkeley Media Group, “The Invisible” is an eight-episode adaptation of Deon Meyer’s novel “Blood Safari.” ITV Studios will handle international distribution.
The storyline unfolds in the vicinity of South Africa’s Kruger National Park, where a shadowy killer begins to eliminate local poachers. With the body count escalating, local Inspector Jack Phatudi is thrust into a perilous manhunt to reveal the identity of the vigilante.
Concurrently, Dekker, a former bodyguard plagued by his past, is assigned to protect Emma, a South African expatriate returning to her homeland to find her brother, whom she believes is still alive, despite having vanished two decades ago.
As Phatudi’s investigation intersects with Emma and Dekker’s pursuit, they unveil a buried conspiracy linked to the political assassination of a significant African leader. With formidable forces closing in, all three must confront a shocking truth—one that threatens to alter history and is protected by those willing to kill to keep it concealed.
Directed by Jozua Malherbe, who has previously adapted Meyer’s works “Devil’s Peak” and “Trackers,” along with Amy Jephta, noted for “Barakat” and “Catch Me a Killer,” “The Invisible” is created by Meyer, who also serves as an executive producer alongside Cornish, Scott, and William Josef Schneider, the latter leading the writing of the adaptation. Tina Kruger is on board as creative executive producer.
Meyer expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It’s an immense understatement to say I’m proud and grateful for ‘The Invisible’ as a TV series. We’ve dedicated ourselves to assembling this series over the past two years, and now, it’s finally entering production with an outstanding broadcast partner and executive production team, excellent writers, an incredible international cast, a phenomenal director, and the finest crew imaginable. How amazing is that?” Nomsa Philiso, director of content for general entertainment in English and Portuguese-speaking Africa at MultiChoice, added, “‘The Invisible’ is a contemporary South African retelling inspired by real events—such as the mysterious plane crash that took the life of former Mozambican President Samora Machel.”
Philiso continued, “Debuting on M-Net, this gripping tale is brought to life in Hoedspruit and Cape Town by talented local professionals, supported by our co-production partners ITV Studios, Scene23, and BMG. We’re proud of this partnership and the platform the series will have on M-Net, where Meyer’s work continues to enchant viewers in South Africa and around the globe.”
Julie Meldal-Johnsen, executive vice president of global content at ITV Studios, remarked, “We’re thrilled to collaborate with M-Net, Scene23, BMG, and the IDC to deliver this exhilarating drama to global viewers. ‘The Invisible’ represents our inaugural scripted project from a South African producer—hopefully the first of many to come.”
Yu-Fai Suen of Berkeley Media Group expressed excitement about partnering with Cornish, Scott, and a talented group of South African creatives on their latest international project. “Together with Scene23 and ITV Studios, we strive to present this remarkable African narrative to a global audience,” Suen said.
Cobus van den Berg, executive producer at Scene23, concluded, “With the success of ‘Trackers’ and ‘Heart of the Hunter’ demonstrating the world’s hunger for South African stories, ‘The Invisible’ is the perfect next chapter. It’s not just about a TV show; it’s a chance to exhibit our talents, landscapes, and storytelling to an international audience.”
