'King Shaka': Showtime Axes Epic African Drama With 12 Days Left To Shoot

• Showtime's highly anticipated epic drama series, executive produced by Antoine Fuqua, has been axed
• While King Shaka will not run on Showtime, CBS Studios, the show's producer, is actively searching for a new platform to showcase the completed series
• The cancellation of King Shaka is part of Showtime's programming overhaul amid its merger with Paramount+

Showtime's highly anticipated epic drama series, King Shaka, executive produced by Antoine Fuqua, has been axed before it even aired as part of a programming overhaul at the network.

King Shaka, formerly known as Shaka: King of the Zulu Nation, was filmed in KwaZulu-Natal, where the Zulu Empire founder, Shaka, was born. Most of the filming, including the final episode, had been completed, with only 12 days of shooting left.

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Entertainment blogger Phil Mphela issued an update on the show's proceedings, tweeting:

"American broadcasters are brutal. Cancelling KING SHAKA series with just 12 days of shooting left. Been waiting for news of a reprieve since March … nothing yet, but I believe some network or streamer will pick up the show. It’s Antoine Fuqua-helmed, it will sell!"

The cancellation comes from Showtime's merger with Paramount+, Variety reports.

The series, created by writers Olu Odebunmi and Tolu Awosika, aims to tell the sweeping story of Shaka's unlikely rise to power and his transformation into a legendary figure in African history. The show features a diverse cast, including Charles Babalola as Shaka, Warren Masemola, Tony Kgoroge, Sindi Dlathu and Bahle Hadebe.

According to Deadline, CBS Studios, the show's producer, is exploring other options to find a new home for the series. Showtime is also said to be assisting in these efforts.

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This cancellation marks another setback for the ambitious project. Still, fans of historical dramas and African history enthusiasts will eagerly wait to see if King Shaka finds a new platform to showcase its epic tale.

Ses' Top La actor Warren Masemola to lead a role in Showtime’s King Shaka: "I’m so excited"

Briefly News previously reported on Ses' Top La actor, Warren Masemola bagging a role in Fuqua's production.

Taking to Twitter, Warren expressed gratitude for being a part of this iconic story. He thanked director Antoine Fuqua for seeing enough star quality to cast him in the drama.

Source: Briefly News