African streamer Showmax has unveiled the first trailer for ‘Die Kantoor,’ the Afrikaans-language adaptation of the globally successful format ‘The Office,’ licensed by BBC Studios.
TV channel kykNET will preview the opening episode at on African broadcaster DStv on Jan. 18, ahead of the Showmax double-bill premiere on Jan. 20. Subsequent episodes will roll out weekly on both platforms.
The trailer provides a first glimpse of Albert Pretorius stepping into the legendary manager role that previously earned both Ricky Gervais and Steve Carell Golden Globe awards — as David Brent in the British original and Michael Scott in the U.S. version, respectively. The 2025 Fleur du Cap and Woordfees winner, known for “Niggies” and “Nêrens, Noord-Kaap,” portrays Flip, the manager at polony distributors Deluxe Processed Meats.
“Flip thinks of himself as the Rassie Erasmus of polony; in his mind, the documentary crew is making his ‘Chasing the Sun,’ about how he’s taking this team to the next level,” Pretorius explains.
For international audiences unfamiliar with South African culture, polony refers to a highly processed sausage, while Rassie Erasmus serves as the visionary coach of the Springbok rugby team. “Chasing the Sun” is the International Emmy-nominated documentary series chronicling South Africa’s two most recent World Cup rugby victories.
“He’s grappling with what it means to be a man – an Afrikaans man – but he doesn’t realise that a lot of the qualities he aspires to are archaic. Or that he actually has very few of them. That’s where the comedy lies, because he tries so bloody hard just to be liked,” Pretorius says. “Isn’t that what cringe is? People trying their best by being the absolute worst.”
More than two decades have passed since Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant introduced audiences to the brilliantly bleak mockumentary universe of ‘The Office.’ The original British version is considered one of the best comedy series of all time, while the American adaptation claimed five Emmys, including Outstanding Comedy Series, and became the most streamed show globally in 2020.
This widespread appeal has spawned remakes for audiences worldwide. The South African edition marks the format’s 14th international adaptation.
Rapid Blue, part of BBC Studios, is producing the Showmax Original, with SAFTA and Silwerskerm winner Bennie Fourie (“Hotel”) serving as head writer and director. BBC Studios is managing global sales.
Beyond Pretorius, the ensemble includes SAFTA winner Schalk Bezuidenhout (“Kanarie,” “Hotel”), Silwerskerm winner Ilse Oppelt (“Oh Schuks I’m Gatvol,” “Fishy Fêshuns”), Carl Beukes (“Jozi,” “The Shakedown”), Daniah de Villiers (“Mia and the White Lion”), Mehboob Bawa (“Bhai’s Cafe”), former KFM radio presenter Sipumziwe Lucwaba, veteran Lida Botha (“Die Kwiksilvers”) and newcomer Gert du Plessis.
Watch the trailer here:
