What was just an ordinary day for motorcycle mechanic Zuko turns into a deadly hunt for justice. In the suspense film Heart of the Hunter, from director Mandlakayise W. Dube (Silverton Siege), an assassin is forced out of retirement to unearth a conspiracy that could upend the South African government. As Zuko fights to get back to a normal life with his family, he becomes a corrupt politician’s main target. The film stars Bonko Khoza, Connie Ferguson, and Tim Theron. 

When will Heart of the Hunter be released?

Stream it now.

Where can I find the trailer for Heart of the Hunter?

Check it out at the top of this page. 

Bonko Khoza as Zuko Khumalo in Heart of the Hunter

Mpumelelo Macu/Netflix

Who’s in the cast of Heart of the Hunter?

• Bonko Khoza (The Wife) as Zuko Khumalo, a former assassin who works at a motorcycle shop
• Connie Ferguson (The Queen) as Mo, director of the Presidential Intelligence Agency (PIA)
• Masasa Mbangeni (Scandal!) as Zuko’s girlfriend, Malime Mambi
• Tim Theron (Hunting Emma) as Tiger, a tactical agent who works for Mo
• Deon Coetzee (Silverton Siege) as Mike Bressler, a reporter at the Cape Sentinel 
• Peter Butler (Maze Runner: The Death Cure) as Johnny Klein, Zuko’s associate from his past life, and the former director general of International Relations
• Sisanda Henna (Rogue) as presidential candidate Daza Mtima 
• Connie Chiume (Black Panther) as Thandiwe Makeba, the former minister of Foreign Affairs
• Boleng Mogotsi as Zuko’s son, Pakamile, aka Paka 
• Nicole Fortuin (A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits) as Naledi, Mo’s employee at the PIA
• Milan Murray (Die Byl) as Beth, another of Mo’s employees
• Wanda Banda (The Woman King) as Allison Bhaloyi, an intern at the Cape Sentinel 

Masasa Mbangeni as Malime Mambi in Heart of the Hunter

What happens in Heart of the Hunter?

Zuko Khumalo (Khoza) is a family man now. He lives with his girlfriend, Malime (Mbangeni), and her young son, Paka (Mogotsi). But Zuko has a deadly past… and it’s coming back to haunt him. His old friend and mentor, Johnny (Butler) — a disgraced politician that the government now views as a terrorist — shows up out of nowhere demanding Zuko venture across South Africa to find dirt on every major politician backing presidential candidate Daza Mtima (Henna) — including Mtima. Johnny assures Zuko the political conspiracy could figuratively blow up South Africa’s entire chain of command. But Johnny’s been in hot water for too long — he’s too much of a target to take them down himself. So now it’s all up to Zuko. And the government, including fierce PIA director Mo (Ferguson), is watching his every move. Will Zuko make it home to Malime unscathed and finally put that ring he’s been carrying around to good use? Or will the agents tracking his every move, like Mo’s lethal sidekick Tiger (Theron), end him once and for all? 

Is Heart of the Hunter based on a book?

Yes. Heart of The Hunter is an adaptation of the book of the same name by South African novelist and screenwriter Deon Meyer.

Tim Theron as Tiger in Heart of the Hunter

Mpumelelo Macu/Netflix

Where does Heart of the Hunter take place?

Heart of the Hunter takes place in locations across South Africa, including Waterkloof, Tshwane; Vlottenburg, Cape Town; and the city of Maseru, which borders both South Africa and Lesotho. 

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