‘The Underground Railroad’ and ‘The Woman King’ star Thuso Mbedu to do Paramount + socially conscious shows

Exclusive: meter Star Aces Mbedu will create a suite of shows for Paramount + outside of the United States after making its first deal with VIS Social Impact.

The fast-growing South African actor will create, design and execute screenplays and documentaries focusing on equality, climate and health for Paramount Global’s production arm.

Mbedu starred in Barry Jenkins’ Amazon series meter And soon we will see Viola Davis and John Boyega in the Sony film King Woman.

Their deal is the inaugural deal for VIS Social Impact, whose boss, Georgia Arnold, starred in the drama series. MTV Shuga: To the southWhere international Emmy nominee Mbedu played in 2019.

Arnold, who is also Paramount’s senior vice president of international social responsibility, said, “I have the privilege of working with Tuso. MTV Shuga: To the southI have personally seen his strong creative talent; I have no doubt that his skills and experience will help our studio create content with social impact around the world. “

Mbedu said: “As Africans, we have so many unique and diverse cultures, stories and experiences that the world needs to see and hear and, as African women, we have the opportunity to tell stories that uplift, empower and shape new paths. . It is absolutely incredible to think and see the world ”.

Mbedu won the Independent Spirit Award, the Gotham Award and the Hollywood Critics Association Award for her role as Cora. The meterThe role that made her the first South African female lead in an American television series.

VIS Social Impact was launched in October 2021 as part of Paramount’s Content for Change initiative, which aims to combat racism, stereotypes and hatred on the screen and beyond. Among its pillars is the systematic transformation of the creative supply chain for cinema and television through agreements such as the Mbedu Agreement.

Mbedu is represented by WME and Creative Partners Group.