Bonko Khoza Bulks Up For New Star-studded Crime-action 'city Of Gold'

Talented actor Bonko Khoza, known for his roles in The Wife and Heart of the Hunter , has noticeably bulked up for his latest role as Somandla in the upcoming crime-action movie City of Gold .

The new flick is set in Johannesburg and is scheduled for release in 2025 on Netflix, although the exact date has not yet been revealed.

Haunted by his fathers death, Somandla, a tormented gangster, breaks free from a corrupt cops plan. As he rises to power, he clashes with his own demons, the cunning cop and a relentless policewoman searching for her missing brother. A different approach to the genre of the gangster film, the synopsis for City of Gold reads.

Besides being the lead actor, Khoza is also an executive producer on the film alongside Clifford Elk, Basetsana Kumalo, Jeremy Nathan, Phil Lyon and Jean-Francois Dugal.

Honoured to be part of City of Gold , a project that pushes the boundaries of South African storytelling. Grateful for the journey, the team and the magic we created. Can't wait for the world to see this, a muscular-looking Khoza wrote on Instagram on Thursday 30 January.

The ensemble cast also includes Gaosi Raditholo , Vuyo Dabula, Louis Vega, Moss Makwati, Thabo Gabriel Malema, Otto Nobela, Kagiso Rathebe, Gontse Ntshegang, Brandon Auret and Daniel Janks.

The producers are Mzansis own Neo Baloyi, the founder of production house Lucky Rhino , and Fabien Martorell, the French-born, Los Angeles-based multi-awarded director and producer.

The two have previously partnered on the successful 2022 thriller Collision , which ranked 3 globally on Netflix, 1 in South Africa and in the Top 10 in the world two weeks in a row. It was also in the Top 10 in 68 countries.

"This film is deeply rooted in the vibrancy and struggles of Johannesburg, but its themes are universal," says Neo Baloyi. "It's about resilience, identity, and the choices that define us."

Martorell, who is also the director, adds, "Johannesburg isn't just a backdrop-it's a character, and its energy is felt in every frame. With City of Gold , we've created something that's as gritty as it is poignant, as thrilling as it is heartfelt."