Universal Snaps Up Rights To Remake SA Thriller iNumber Number

Universal Pictures has optioned the remake rights to ‘iNumber Number’, a South African thriller written and directed by Donovan Marsh. The film, which premiered at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, will be released in South Africa next year.

An action-packed heist thriller, ‘iNumber Number’ is about a pair of cops battling corrupt colleagues as well as a gang of armoured-car thieves. Chili (S’dumo Mtshali, winner of CLASS ACT) and Shoes (Presley Chweneyagae of TSOTSI fame) have been partners in the police force for eight years. After they make a risky arrest, their corrupt superior refuses to give them the reward they are due. Enraged, Chili realises that honesty does not pay and sets about infiltrating a gang of armoured car thieves. His scheme goes awry when the gang discover his true identity. They take Shoes hostage and go through with the heist. Lured by the potential loot, but finding himself in the midst of a killing spree, Chili has to shake off his rage and cynicism to do the right thing. The film boasts an oddball cast that brings comic relief to the ruthless thuggery.

“The film has attracted lots of interest and it has now been slated for a remake by Hollywood giant Universal Studios,” says Harriet Gavshon, producer of Quizzical Pictures. “That is high praise indeed for a South African story.”

‘iNumber Number’ is South African director Donovan Marsh’s fourth film. An award-winning director, writer and editor, Marsh has worked in the local film industry since 1992. He wrote and directed the feature films ‘Dollars and White Pipes’, ‘Spud’ and ‘Spud 2: The Madness Continues’. ‘iNumber Number’ The original film was produced by Harriet Gavshon as well as JP Potgieter and Mariki van der Walt.

The remake will be produced by Chris Morgan, the writer of Universal’s ‘Fast & Furious’ movies, and his partner Emile Gladstone, via their Universal-based Chris Morgan Productions. Aram Tertzakian of XYZ Films is also producing. Nate Bolotin and Nick Spicer are attached to executive produce.

iNumber Number will be released by Indigenous Film Distribution on 28 March 2014.

See the origian films trailer below.

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb

Leave a comment