Tarzan: Spot him in the Tsitsikamma
For the past twelve years, DeWet du Toit has been nurturing a dream: To play Tarzan on the big screen. Since he hails from the humble town of George in the Western Cape, many would dub this dream a pipedream, but he is adamant. In fact, he has never given up and has been chasing his dream with a passion that is admirable.
DeWet produces videos and short films for his YouTube channel which has 207 000 subscribers. The entertaining, low-budget Tarzan videos have racked up 50 million views. Ultimately, his hope is that Hollywood will notice him and make him the next Tarzan.
Now, the well-known radio and television presenter, Rian van Heerden has made a doccie about DeWet, with the first episode due to air on kykNET on Sunday, 26 February. Van Heerden, who is also known for the production of series like Bolhuis, Die Siener and Liefde Sonder Grense heard about DeWet in 2010 and even had him on his programme, Rian. Three years ago, van Heerden was in George and read an article about DeWet in the local newspaper, which lead him to make contact again. “I made contact again and asked him if I could make a documentary series about him,” says van Heerden. “It was hard work convincing him. He is so focused on becoming Tarzan that he was afraid this project might divide his attention.”
Simultaneously, van Heerden also had to persuade the Edgar Rice Burroughs Foundation – custodians of the copyright and trademarks of the late writer of Tarzan – that a team from South Africa should be allowed to tell the story.
What to expect from 'Tarzan van George'
While the underlying theme is Tarzan, the series is about so much more. “It’s a story about a man who will keep on dreaming the almost impossible dream,” van Heerden says. This guy won’t give up, that’s for sure. “I have never met anybody who is so devoted to his dream. What he has already achieved, is mind-boggling,” van Heerden continues.
Apparently, DeWet is the essence of why true Tarzan fans love the franchise. Rian van Heerden says: “The Tarzan franchise, and everything that goes with it, is still hugely popular worldwide and for true fans it is about so much more than just a hero who lives in a jungle.” After all, Tarzan was one of the first childhood heroes ever to exist. DeWet also seems to resonate with much more than just the brand. He resonates with Tarzan’s being – from his love for nature, to his values when it comes to women.
Tarzan van George will consist of five episodes. These will cover the history of Tarzan over the years, while viewers will also get to meet DeWet’s family. In addition, there will be an interview with the talented actor, Neil Sandilands who made a film with DeWet and his brother. Furthermore, the series will follow DeWet from George all the way to Los Angeles, where he visits Hollywood Boulevard in his Tarzan costume!
One thing is certain: DeWet du Toit is walking proof that one should never give up on a dream. In fact, van Heerden says he proves that “if you are committed to your dream with your heart and soul, the universe will eventually look after you.”
Watch the first episode of Tarzan van George on kykNET (DStv channel 144), Sunday 26 February at 20:00. The series will also be available on Catch Up.
