Sun Africa Group Set Major Long Term Theatrical Partnership In South Africa With StudioCanal

STUDIOCANAL has announced a three-year theatrical distribution partnership with Sun Africa Group (SAG), a member of the Telefilms Group, covering the release of English-language feature films across South Africa — a deal that signals growing confidence in the country's cinema market at a time of significant upheaval in African entertainment.

Under the agreement, SAG will distribute STUDIOCANAL's main slate in the territory, including animation titles, films from its genre label 6th Dimension, and select South African productions developed in partnership with M-Net.

The first release under the deal will be Pressure, a thriller directed by Anthony Maras and starring Andrew Scott, Brendan Fraser, and Kerry Condon. Further titles include Danny Boyle's Ink, Elsinore, Full Phil, The Custom of the Country, and Sean Byrne's The Mannequin.

The announcement comes against a turbulent backdrop for the African media landscape. Canal+ finalised its acquisition of MultiChoice in October 2025 for approximately $2 billion, gaining them control of DStv and the group's broader content production and distribution operations. The deal reshaped the continent's pay-TV sector but also triggered painful restructuring. Canal+ labelled MultiChoice's streaming service Showmax an "expensive failure" and announced it would shut down in early 2026. Showmax halted new sign-ups on March 31, with a full shutdown following on April 30, 2026, with content migrating to a dedicated section within the DStv Stream app.

The STUDIOCANAL-SAG partnership can be read partly as a response to that streaming contraction, a bet on theatrical exhibition as a durable pillar of the South African entertainment market. The two companies have an existing working relationship, with SAG having previously handled the South African release of We Live in Time, but this agreement formalises a significantly expanded, long-term framework.

The announcement follows STUDIOCANAL's recent reveal of The Road Home, directed by Academy Award-winner Bill Condon and starring Cynthia Erivo, which begins shooting in South Africa in late June. The film explores the friendship between Hugh Masekela and Paul Simon set against the backdrop of apartheid-era South Africa.

STUDIOCANAL CEO Anna Marsh described South Africa as "one of the world's most vibrant and influential creative markets," adding that the partnership would create opportunities for South African stories to reach global audiences. SAG CEO Debbie McCrum said the deal represented "a significant and exciting milestone" for her company, emphasising its commitment to delivering films to cinema audiences across the territory.

The deal forms part of the broader expansion strategy of CANAL+ and STUDIOCANAL across the African continent.

‘Yokoso Scooby-Doo!’ Anime Series Lands At Tubi In The US While Debuting On Cartoon Network Internationally

Zoinks! “Scooby-Doo” is going anime. Tubi has acquired the new animated series “Yokoso Scooby-Doo!” — which means “Welcome Scooby-Doo” — which focuses on Scooby-Doo and Shaggy, and stars “Scooby-Doo!” voice regulars Frank Welker (“Scoob!”) and Matthew Lillard (“Scream”) as the two main roles.

“Yokoso Scooby-Doo!” is the first original anime “Scooby-Doo!” series, and is produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Tubi has exclusive rights to the series in North America, while Cartoon Network will run it internationally.

“Scooby-Doo is one of the most beloved franchises in entertainment, and ‘Yokoso Scooby-Doo!’ lets us reinvent it in a way fans haven’t seen before,” said Tubi chief content officer Adam Lewinson in a statement. “By bringing Scooby and Shaggy into a bold anime world set in Japan, we’re connecting with global fandoms and delivering the kind of fun, chaotic mystery that travels across generations. As we grow our animation slate, this is exactly our brand of fan-first storytelling—familiar, surprising, and unmistakably Tubi.”

Here’s the logline: “While visiting Japan on the ultimate foodie adventure, Scooby-Doo and Shaggy unwittingly unleash hundreds of mythical monsters that are causing trouble across the country. With the help of Scooby’s uncle, Daisuke-Doo, along with new friends, a magical girl Yume and gadget whiz Takumi, the group embarks on an all-new mystery filled with monster chasing and fun chaos.”

Welker has been the voice of Scooby-Doo for more than two decades, and has been part of the “Scooby-Doo” franchise from the beginning, as the voice of Fred Jones when “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” premiered in 1969. Lillard played Shaggy in the live-action Scooby-Doo films and has since voiced the character in multiple animated series. 

This is the first anime “Scooby-Doo!” but not the first adventure in Japan for the characters. The 2009 direct-to-video film “Scooby-Doo! and the Samurai Sword” took place in the country.

“Welcome to Mystery Inc., Tubi!” said Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios, Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe president Sam Register said in a statement. “We’re excited to partner on this next chapter as we push the Scooby-Doo franchise forward with its first-ever original anime series. Alongside the amazing artists at OLM, we’ll unmask a new batch of mysteries, signature hijinks, and – of course – plenty of Scooby Snacks, all brought to life through the dynamic artistry of anime.”

This reps the second announcement of the day about a project from one of the Warner Bros. Discovery animation studios that is heading to the competition instead of Cartoon Network/HBO Max. Disney+ and Hulu announced the June 29 U.S. premiere date of the new animated series “Adventure Time: Side Quests,” produced by Cartoon Network Studios. 

“Yokoso Scooby-Doo!” will be directed by Itsuro Kawasaki, while Francisco Paredes is co-producer. OLM in Japan will provide production services, while Warner Bros. Animation is producer.

The Braveheart, Brand New Romantic Drama Series Launches On Star Life

Star Life, a Bollywood based entertainment channel offering movies and series in English has announced the addition of a new series, The Braveheart. Known in India as Choti Sarrdaarni, it broadcasts daily at 20:00 CAT from 29 May.

It starred Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia as Meher Kaur Dhillon Gill, Avinesh Rekhi as Sarabjeet "Sarab" Singh Gill, Mahir Pandhi as Rajveer "Raj" Singh Babbar and Amandeep Sidhu as Mannat Kaur Dhillon Randhawa.

The Braveheart serves as another Colors TV original to have been distributed on JioStar brands following the launches of Dr. Aarambhi and Mannat. This is the result of a merger between Disney Star and Viacom18 bringing StarPlus under one umbrella.

Synopsis for The Braveheart 

The narrative initially focuses on Meher Kaur Dhillon, a bubbly young woman who falls in love with a man named Manav and becomes pregnant.

Meher's orthodox mother opposes the relationship, leading to a tragic separation from Manav. Meher is then forced into an arranged marriage with Sarabjit Singh Gill, a wealthy, widowed politician who has a 5-year-old son named Param.

The plot highlights Meher's journey as she confesses her past to Sarabjit. Over time, they build a powerful bond based on mutual respect and love, fiercely protecting their family from various societal and personal threats.

In its later stages, the show transitions forward in time to follow the life of Seher, the fiercely independent daughter of Meher and Sarabjit, as she navigates her own complex love triangle. 

Cartoon Network Introduces International Audiences To Adventure Time: Side Quests

Cartoon Network has announced the international premiere date of its brand-new animated series, Adventure Time: Side Quests, produced by Cartoon Network Studios, launching on Monday, 5 October.

 

A companion to the beloved original, Emmy®, Peabody, and Annie Award-winning series Adventure Time, the new series follows young hero Finn and his magical dog best friend Jake as they embark on adventures across the fantastical land of Ooo — partying with cloud people and punching evil in the butt along the way.

 

One of Cartoon Network’s most beloved and imaginative franchises, Adventure Time captivated audiences with its heartfelt storytelling, playful humour, and richly creative world. Adventure Time: Side Quests builds on the spirit of the early seasons, delivering lighter, self-contained adventures. Designed to introduce a new generation of fans to the land of Ooo, whilst giving existing fans more of what they love. The series brings standalone, silly quests and playful challenges - celebrating the joyful chaos of Finn and Jake’s adventures.

 

Adventure Time: Side Quests is executive produced by Nate Cash, who is the Showrunner, with Darrick Bachman serving as Story Editor. Victor Courtright and Niki Yang direct, Nick Cross is the Art Director, and Matthew Janszen is the Composer. Finn the Human is voiced by Sasha Knight, and John DiMaggio returns as the voice of Jake the Dog. The series will also reunite fan-favourite characters, including Ice King (Tom Kenny), Princess Bubblegum (Hynden Walch), Marceline (Olivia Olson), and BMO (Niki Yang).

 

Warner Bros. Discovery GM, International Kids, Animation and Franchise Vanessa Brookman said: “With its wit, originality and unpredictability, Adventure Time has always been quintessential Cartoon Network. In Side Quests, Nate and the team have crafted the perfect entry point for new audiences discovering the Land of Ooo for the first time, while offering a heartfelt love letter to fans who have been on the extraordinary journey from the very beginning.”

 

Showrunner and Executive Producer, Nate Cash, said: “Making Side Quests felt like making the original Adventure Time, which felt like hanging out with art school buddies making professional cartoons. That sounds like a big sandwich of feelings, and it was! You're going to love these NEW adventures with Finn & Jake!"

 

Adventure Time: Side Quests will premiere internationally, including on Cartoon Network Africa on Monday, 5 October.

Small Broadcasters Are Likely At Risk Of Being Removed From MultiChoice's DStv

A few years ago, ICASA held talks with various broadcasters (like Cape Town TV for instance) regarding its must carry bill. As it stands this conditions only included public broadcasters such as the SABC.

Cape Town TV and various other provincial broadcasters wanted their services to form part of these laws and wanted companies like MultiChoice to pay for their services under this agreement. But ICASA had since then turned them down.

ICASA has stated that rules only apply to public broadcasters and not any other tier of broadcasting. It is on this basis that the existing regulations are considered sufficient to address local content and must-carry.

This not only puts Cape Town TV at risk of being removed from DStv but also Soweto TV, Mpuma Kapa TV, 1KZN TV, GauTV and Tshwane TV. 

It was stated during this briefing years ago that some of these channels very much like your SABC News and eNCA are dependant on DStv for their survival. Without them, there's no way they continue to be in operation.

Look at what happened when StarSat was shut down in South Africa after failing to renew it's broadcasting licence. One Freestate Televisual and Rising Sun TV had to scale back on its operations and are now grasping through straws.

MultiChoice had not only been distributing some of these channels exclusively but helping them out with content and other expenses. With them continuing to lose subscribers and under French hands this luxury might come to an end.

Canal+ came into an agreement with regulators to ensure they continue sourcing services from these brands. But that doesn't stop them from scaling back on costs and overtime deciding to no longer offer some of these services on DStv.

The Rooms Network Confirms Additional Channels In Development At Canal+'s MultiChoice

Last year, Paramount had closed down its operations across Africa affecting brands like BET and MTV Base as well as local productions on MTV and Nicktoons. Similar to Amazon Prime Video, they no longer produce original content in Africa. 

Canal+ which took over MultiChoice's operations late last year had told regulators and the media that DStv consumers should expect more content during the year. This prompted the inclusion of BASE Pulse as a replacement to MTV Base.

It looks like MultiChoice might be eyeing Newzroom Afrika's parent company The Rooms Network for channels. Not long ago, The Rooms Network announced that Movie Room will be producing its first feature film, Thuli's Doek.

Within the description column of their press release, it was also stated "additional channels in development". The Rooms Network had expressed interest venturing toward general entertainment as seen with Movie Room and Play Room.

With BASE Pulse that launched in place of MTV Base, we can only assume The Rooms Network could be looking to replace BET on DStv. 

The Rooms Network has been dubbing international films and TV shows in Zulu with the announcement of its first feature film, Thuli's Deck. It wouldn't seem far fetched a stretch to think that one of the channels in development was BET inspired. 

Following the removal of 1Magic and Me, there had been talks of another TV channel in development. This channel was said to be locally infused while boasting content from other TV channels and it's likely this formed part of the additional channels.

After rivalling with Cartoon Network, TNT and likely the rest of M-Net's linear offering. We can assume if another TV channel(s) is in development it would either target Bravo or most definitely Telemundo.