Hlomla is exiting Smoke & Mirrors at the end of Season 2.
Veteran South African actor Hlomla Dandala will not return for the next season of the popular soap opera Smoke and Mirrors, confirmed @PhilMphela. Dandala, who took over the role of Caesar from Zolisa Xaluva in Season 2 of the show currently airing on e.tv, has had a prolific career in the film and television industry, spanning over 30 years. He is well-known for his roles in The River and Scandal!, as well as his early work in Isidingo.
Dandala stepped into the shoes of Caesar after Xaluva was let go by Final Chapter Productions amid reports of insubordination. Sources indicated that Xaluva’s departure stemmed from issues with the production team, which resulted in a rift over creative differences and other disputes. When Dandala was brought on, it was with the intention of maintaining the character’s appeal, as Caesar had garnered a loyal following in the show’s first season.
Despite his best efforts, however, Dandala faced significant backlash from viewers unhappy with the recasting. While he expressed his intent to deliver a compelling performance worthy of Caesar’s legacy, feedback suggested that many felt he did not do justice to the character, whose previous portrayal resonated deeply with audiences. The challenge of stepping into an established role is never easy, and it seems that the expectations were perhaps too high for Dandala to fully meet.
Zolisa Xaluva returns for Season 3 of Smoke and Mirrors.
In a surprising twist, reports have surfaced indicating that Zolisa Xaluva will be returning to Smoke and Mirrors. Sources have revealed that he reached a favorable agreement with the producers, allowing him to reclaim his role as Caesar, alongside the prospect of returning as a director. This development has sparked excitement among fans who were eager for Xaluva’s return. His departure was reportedly linked to a “money-related dispute,” a claim that he has since denied.
The return of Xaluva not only signifies a shift back to familiar territory for the show but also highlights the complexities of casting in long-running series. Viewers often develop strong attachments to characters, making any change a potential risk for the productions involved. As Smoke and Mirrors progresses, it will be interesting to see how this transition back to Xaluva impacts the storyline and viewer reception.
With Dandala exiting the soapie, he leaves behind a legacy of versatility and dedication to his craft. His contributions to South African television have been noteworthy, and while he may be stepping away from Smoke and Mirrors, audiences can look forward to his future endeavors in the entertainment industry. The soap opera landscape continues to evolve, and we can only speculate about the new directions that Smoke and Mirrors will take as it welcomes back a beloved character and potentially reassesses its audience engagement moving forward.