Tlali returns: Outlaws’ most loved and hated villain is back

He’s the chaos agent you can’t ignore. The family menace who somehow built himself a fanbase. The man who turned balaclavas into a movement. Tlali is back for Outlaws Season 2 and he’s hungrier, wilder, and more unhinged than ever.

Showmax sat down with actor Keketso Mpitso to talk about the return of one of Outlaws’ most unpredictable villains, Tlali, and why Tlali’s second coming is about to shake the Biyela family to its core. 

Watch the trailer for Outlaws S2

Tlali has returned from the dead! What can we expect from him since his return from the afterlife?

Whatever Tlali did in Season 1… he doubles it in Season 2.  If you loved him, you’ll love him more. If you hated him, prepare to hate harder. His villainy levels have officially been upgraded.

Tlali is a villain, but fans adore him. Why do you think viewers love him so much?

Tlali is annoying, different, and unforgettable, especially that voice. You don’t even have to look at the TV; when he speaks, you just know, that’s Tlali.

And people really enjoy his funny side. With Nyakallo, he’s cracking jokes while plotting chaos. But when he’s on a mission, he switches to serious, deadly Tlali. He’s a layered character, which creates that love/hate dynamic.

You’ve said you’re an introvert and nothing like Tlali. Who inspired your portrayal of him?

I’ve always loved villains. They have freedom, they can improvise in ways good guys can’t.

For Tlali, I borrowed from Teabag in Prison Break. His intensity, his eyes. And then I also took some elements from the Joker, especially in chaotic moments like the car explosion in Season 1. The laughter, the madness, the gunshots in the air that you saw Tlali do was inspired by the madness I used to see in the Joker.

Your chemistry with Seipati Mahamu, who plays Nyakallo, is electric. What’s it like working with her?

Outlaws gave me a sister. Working with Seipati is a joy, she makes you feel comfortable but she also pushes you. We have this thing: after every scene, we rate our performances out of 10. If we gave the last one an eight or nine, the next one has to be better. We’re always raising the bar.

In Season 2, Tlali has formed a cult-like army of balaclava soldiers. How has he evolved?

This season, Tlali is a different person. He believes every single thing he does is correct, and that’s very dangerous. When someone thinks they can’t be wrong, there’s nothing stopping them. Tlali becomes completely unhinged. Tlali has followers now, and he’s leading them with delusion-level confidence.

How has Outlaws impacted your career since Season 1?

Outlaws opened doors for me. I started getting more auditions, and directors reached out because they’d seen my performance in Outlaws. The opportunities really grew from this role.

Why should people watch Season 2 of Outlaws?

People should watch because you can’t predict anything this season. Whatever you think is going to happen… you’re wrong.

I’m also just looking forward to people hearing the new music and new energy this season will bring, especially when it comes to new cast members like Noluthando Ngema (Sihle), Thandolwethu Zondi (Mthunzi), and Mamodibe Ramodibe (Buang).

Stream Outlaws Season 2 on Showmax or catch it on Mzansi Magic (Channel 161) every Saturday from 22 November 2025.