The remarkable life of Nelson Mandela, the renowned anti-apartheid leader who transitioned from 27 years of imprisonment to becoming the inaugural president of a liberated South Africa, is set to be immortalized in a 30-hour scripted TV series titled “Mandela.” The project, spearheaded by writer/producer Josh Wakely through his company Grace: A Storytelling Company, has secured the rights to Mandela’s story from House of Mandela Entertainment, the media arm of the Mandela estate.
Wakely, alongside South African writer/director Kagiso Lediga (“Queen Sono”) and producer Kweku Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s grandson, will helm the production and scriptwriting for “Mandela.” Drawing parallels to Netflix’s acclaimed series “The Crown,” Wakely envisions “Mandela” as a multi-season epic chronicling Mandela’s journey from activism to presidency, against the backdrop of apartheid-era South Africa.
The series will delve into Mandela’s tumultuous life, from his incarceration in 1962 to his release in 1990 and subsequent ascension to the presidency in 1994. Following his term in office, Mandela dedicated himself to philanthropy until his passing in 2013.
In a statement, Wakely expressed his reverence for Mandela’s legacy, stating, “Few people in history have made the kind of extraordinary political, cultural, and humanitarian impact as Nelson Mandela.” He aims to depict Mandela’s struggles and triumphs within the intricate tapestry of the anti-apartheid movement.
Grace: A Storytelling Company, led by Wakely, will finance the development of “Mandela” and seek partnerships with premium cable and streaming platforms, with plans for production to commence in early 2025. Universal Music Group is onboard to curate the series’ soundtrack, utilizing its vast international catalog.
This project marks another milestone for Wakely, who previously struck a deal with Universal Music Group to develop projects based on their library, including a TV drama inspired by Bob Dylan’s music. His commitment to bringing real-life stories to the screen extends beyond Mandela, encompassing figures like Muhammad Ali.
Kweku Mandela, president of House of Mandela Entertainment and chief vision officer for Global Citizen, emphasized the urgency and relevance of Mandela’s narrative, envisioning “Mandela” as a dynamic and contemporary portrayal of his grandfather’s indomitable spirit.
Lediga, renowned for creating Netflix’s “Queen Sono” and recent work on the Sony Pictures TV series “Classified,” brings his expertise to the project, promising a compelling portrayal of Mandela’s journey.
As anticipation builds for “Mandela,” audiences can expect a riveting portrayal of one of history’s most iconic figures, capturing the essence of Mandela’s enduring legacy and his profound impact on the world stage.
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