13 April 2018
I have the power! Marvel’s Runaways is first and only on Showmax
Six childhood friends who’ve grown apart are brought back together when they find out, to their horror, that their parents are part of a secret evil organisation called The Pride in Season 1 of Marvel’s Runaways (Seasons 2-3 are first and only on Showmax). They realise that Mom and Dad have set in motion a plot to betray humanity. The six friends band together to defy their parents and their plan – with a mix of technology, strategy and their own surprising superpowers. But who are the six Runaways? Watch now »
Alex Wilder (Rhenzy Feliz)
Nerdy technophile and gamer Alex is the leader of the Runaways in that he’s the one who’s most active in bringing them back together. Alex has a superhero’s bravery and love for justice. “If that means having to go up against his parents, then that’s what that means. If it means going up against the entire world, that’s what he’s willing to do,” Rhenzy told Hollywoodreporter.com.
Superpower: Alex is a genius.
How we’d abuse his power: Install parking meters in space and start charging Elon Musk to park his Tesla there.
Nico Minoru/Sister Grimm (Lyrica Okano)
Quiet, tender-hearted Goth girl Nico has the power to wield a formidable spell-casting weapon called the Staff of One. The staff can cast any spell, but each spell can only be cast once. Nico is still in mourning following the death by suicide of her sister. “She reminds me a lot of myself when I was a teenager. I didn’t know how to communicate how I was feeling to other people, so I would spend hours doing makeup,” says Lyrica.
Superpower: She’s a witch.
How we’d abuse her power: What wouldn’t we do?! From granting our pets’ wishes, to taking our friends to the moon or removing all the plastic pollution from the oceans, we’d do it all.
Karolina Dean/Lucy in the Sky (Virginia Gardner)
Pretty, popular girl Karolina is really a Majesdanian – a bioluminescent alien. Social media influencer Karolina seems to be the epitome of #blessed. But perfection is a prison. “She’s been put under a lot of pressure and expectation her entire life. She needs to break down that wall and get to the root of who she actually is and what her desires are,” explains Virginia.
Superpower: She is a luminous, rainbow-bodied being who can fly and fire powerful solar energy bursts. She also has superhuman strength and she’s immune to heat, because life is not fair.
How we’d abuse her power: Become a flying disco ball. It’s party time! We’d also lead every single Pride parade.
Gert Yorkes/Arsenic (Ariela Barer)
Snarky-but-shy social justice warrior Gert grew up with parents who are time-travellers. Gert is battling anxiety disorder and her closest companion is an actual dinosaur named Old Lace, a genetically modified Deinonychus who has a telepathic bond with Gert. “Gert is a total badass. She’s relatable, she’s smart and funny and quick, and also a little mean – but only with good reason!” reveals Ariela.
(Fun fact: Legacy Effects created Old Lace the dinosaur as an animatronic puppet for Marvel’s Runaways. She’s operated by six puppeteers.)
Powers: She. Has. A. Telepathic. Dinosuar. BFF!
How we’d abuse her power: Ride that dinosaur to school and sic it on anyone who gets in our faces about it.
Molly Hernandez/Princess Powerful (Allegra Acosta)
Molly, who’s the youngest of the Runaways, was adopted by Gert’s parents after her own parents died in a mysterious fire. Little Molly packs a powerful punch and wisdom beyond her years and has a positive, enthusiastic spirit. “They strip her down, initially, to how strong-willed she is. She’s very empathetic toward things she really believes in. And she’s very observant,” adds Allegra.
Powers: Super strength and invulnerability.
How we’d abuse her power: Move our furniture around with ease every time we want a bedroom makeover.
Chase Stein/Talkback (Gregg Sulkin)
Rich, handsome, sporty “bro” Chase has major attitude but his protective behaviour saves him from being a teen movie villain. While he is sports-obsessed, Chase will find out that he has inherited his abusive parents’ knack for inventing technology. “We made Chase a lot more intelligent, not just a complete dumb jock,” laughs Gregg.
Superpowers: Chase has the kind of powers that only money can buy! He has X-ray goggles and his “Fistigons” allow him to manipulate fire with his hands.
How we’d abuse his power: Slap a steak in our Fistigons for an instant braai in the bath!
Original African stories by local talent
Untying Kantai
Untying Kantai follows King Kantai, a man who has spent 30 years of his life working hard to provide for his family, only to be conned out of his life savings. Stream from 9 May, with new episodes weekly.
Big Girl Small World
Stream the new Kenyan romcom series Big Girl Small World from 8 May, with new episodes every week.
Empini S1
Stream the Showmax Original drama series Empini from 23 May 2024.
Original Sin: My Son The Killer
Original Sin: My Son The Killer follows the murder of Andrea Venter by Gerhard Jansen van Vuuren, who then went on the run from South Africa to Brazil.
Tracking Thabo Bester
From the makers of Devilsdorp and the director of Convict Conman comes the true-crime documentary South Africa has been waiting for. All the episodes are streaming on Showmax.
The Illuminated
The Showmax Original docuseries The Illuminated explores different religious movements in South Africa. All episodes now streaming.
Koek S1
The crime comedy Koek, starring Cindy Swanepoel. All the episodes are streaming on Showmax.
Ekhaya Backpackers S1
Stream the Showmax Original comedy series Ekhaya Backpackers. All the episodes are now streaming.
What will be the cost of vengeance? Empini S1, coming soon
The Roast Of Minnie Dlamini, now streaming
More Mzansi gold
9 most shocking moments in The Illuminated
Are you strong enough to binge Showmax Original documentary series The Illuminated? Here’s what you’ll need to prepare yourself.
Youngins Season 1 Episode 37-39 recap: Expelled!
While the five’s video goes viral, they’re swiftly expelled and forced to return home following a disciplinary hearing in Episodes 37-39 of Showmax Original Youngins.
What to watch on Showmax in May 2024
Stream Barbie and Oppenheimer in South Africa now, only on Showmax. Plus a ton more great stuff coming in May.
The Mommy Club Season 2 Episode 11 recap: Cutting through
In episode 11 of The Mommy Club S2, Hermajesty hosts a ‘Healing with Hermajesty’ night picnic that turns sour. New episodes every Monday.