“I’ll Be in a Wheelchair”: Leon Schuster Lands Netflix Movie Deal Despite Back Injury

• Leon Schuster confirmed he pitched an original movie idea directly to Netflix, which signed a contract for the production
• The 75-year-old South African comedy legend revealed the news during an interview with KwaZulu-Natal digital station PlayZN in Durban
• Schuster said his ongoing back injury will shape how he appears on screen, with the role written to reflect his current physical condition

Leon Schuster, one of South Africa's most beloved entertainers, has confirmed he is writing a brand new film for Netflix. The 75-year-old comedy icon broke the news during a casual interview with KwaZulu-Natal digital radio station PlayZN that was shared on 5 September 2026, filmed on what appeared to be a set in Durban.

Schuster told the interviewer he was in the city for a working holiday, visiting a few times a year for two-week stints. It was during one of those trips that he revealed the Netflix project.

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"We got a contract from Netflix, and we're going to do a movie with them," he said. "I pitched the idea, they liked it."

Leon Schuster's Netflix role

What makes the project particularly personal is how Schuster plans to handle his ongoing mobility challenges. He suffered a severe back injury during the production of Mr. Bones 3 in 2023, and recovery has been a slow process. Rather than step away from the camera, he is weaving his condition directly into the story.

"I'm going to play it 50% in a wheelchair, because I can't walk far with my back," he explained during the interview.

Plot details, a title and a release date have not yet been made public. What is clear is that Schuster pitched the concept himself and will be starring in the film.

The Netflix project is not the only thing to look forward to. A five-part documentary series simply titled Schuster, covering his life, career highlights and health battles, is set to premiere on kykNET (DStv channel 144) on 1 October 2026.

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Over four decades, Schuster built a box-office legacy with South African classics including Mr. Bones, Mama Jack, Oh Shucks… I'm Gatvol and Schuks Tshabalala.

Watch the interview where Schuster reveals the Netflix deal here.

Mzansi reacts to the news

South Africans online were quick to share their excitement in the comments section on the Instagram page:

@dave.4321x said:

"We can't wait to see the new movie, Oom Leon! 🔥"

@dutch.m.a.n wrote:

"This guy...Hollywood level bruh 🙈"

@damondouglasbriceland shared:

"Wish I could act in this new movie you're writing. I'm a big fan of your work, Leon Schuster. 💗"

@khanyisa7271 added:

"The king of Mzansi comedy is officially back! Leon Schuster dropping a new movie is pure nostalgia za 🔥"

@nhliziyozamasoka joked:

"Nah, let me watch Mr Bones now 🤣😂, absolute legend 🙈"

@ashy_gokvu simply said:

"He made my childhood a good one."

More on Leon Schuster

• Briefly News recently reported on Alfred Ntombela's heartfelt tribute to his long-time friend and collaborator after Schuster received a prestigious lifetime honour.
• The 75-year-old comedy legend made a surprise social media comeback to throw his support behind the Springboks, despite facing serious health challenges in recent years.
• Alfred Ntombela shared an emotional tribute describing Schuster's role in his life, following the veteran comedian's four failed back surgeries.

Source: Briefly News