‘King Shaka’ Series Not Moving Forward at Showtime

The Showtime limited series King Shaka is no longer moving forward at the premium cabler, Variety has confirmed.

The series tells the story of the titular Zulu king, who will be played by Charles Babalola. According to an individual with knowledge of the production, filming had been mostly completed on the historical epic series and Showtime and producer CBS Studios plan to shop it to other outlets.

This marks the latest completed series to be moved off Showtime as the network prepares to be merged with Paramount+. The drama Three Women recently left Showtime only to be picked up by Starz. Likewise, Ripley starring Andrew Scott moved to Netflix after originally being ordered at Showtime.

King Shaka was originally ordered to series in 2021. Along with Babalola, the cast for the series includes Thapelo Mokoenaas, Warren Masemola, Assa Maga, Thando DIomo, Charmaine Bingwa, and Nkeki Obi-Melekwe.

King Shaka is created and executive produced by Olu Odebunmi and Tolu Awosika, and executive produced by Antoine Fuqua, Bridget Carpenter, Propagates Ben Silverman, Howard T. Owens and Rodney Ferrell. Seith Mann, who is directing the pilot, and Spencer Medof are also executive producers. Scott Greenberg is a producer, and Michael Callas is producing for Hill District Media. Gugulethu Zuma-Ncube and Pepsi Pokane also produce. CBS Studios produces.

Upon being merged with Paramount+, Showtime will be renamed Paramount+ With Showtime. Plans have already been announced to build franchises around some of Showtimes biggest existing IP, including new spinoffs of hit shows like Dexter and Billions.

Deadline first reported that the series would not move forward.