Mr Bones 3
Mr Bones 3: Son of Bones (2022) – The Legacy Continues
A long-promised sequel, Mr Bones 3: Son of Bones hit South African cinemas over the Easter weekend of 14–15 April 2022. Directed by Gray Hofmeyr and co-written with Leon Schuster, this third chapter stars Schuster reprising his iconic role as the loveable Mr Bones, alongside Alfred “Shorty” Ntombela, his onscreen son Mathambo.
Plot Overview
The film opens in the early 1900s with a dramatic burial of the legendary Kruger millions by two greedy Boer soldiers. Fast forward to the present: Bones, now elderly but still sharp, tries mentoring his son, Mathambo (Shorty), while corrupt businessmen, led by Alvin and his Texan associate Jack, attempt to plunder Kuvukiland’s resources by mining oil.
The duo must race against time—outsmarting outsiders, unearthing treasure, and protecting their homeland—all in a trademark blend of slapstick, heart, and absurdity that defines the franchise.
Key Cast & Crew
- Leon Schuster as Mr Bones
- Alfred “Shorty” Ntombela as Mathambo
- Tumi Morake (as Mamba), Sans Moonsamy (Alvin), Daniel Janks (Jack), Jay Anstey, Jerry Mofokeng, and others round out a vibrant ensemble cast.
- Directed by: Gray Hofmeyr
- Produced by: Menzi Thabede, Andre Scholtz, Leon Schuster.
The Full Movie:
Production & Style
- Development spanned around four years, with producers aiming to shift more narrative focus onto Mathambo’s character and dynamics.
- The film retains its trademark comedic style—over-the-top costumes, physical gags, cultural references—modernized through a South African lens and elevated production values.
Box Office Performance
- In its opening week, Mr Bones 3 sold over 38 000 tickets, earning roughly R4.2 million .
- While modest compared to the earlier franchise peaks (Mr Bones grossed R33 million, Mr Bones 2 R35 million), it nevertheless showed strong audience interest.
Reception and Criticisms
- Mixed social media reaction followed the trailer’s release. Some viewers applauded nostalgia and chemistry, while others raised concerns about the franchise’s reliance on stereotypes and blackface, seeing it as outdated or offensive. Reddit sentiments included: “I probably…will always have a soft spot for him.”
“Then…blackface has become totally unacceptable…” - Publications like Briefly.co.za noted the ongoing debate over whether Schuster’s humour perpetuates racist undertones.
- Nonetheless, Tumi Morake praised Schuster’s on-set energy and meticulous comedic timing, calling it “like being in a comedy masterclass” .
Controversial Themes & Legacy
Like earlier entries, Mr Bones 3 escalates conversations about:
- Cultural appropriation and racial caricatures—the movie includes stereotypes that some see as outdated in modern understanding.
- Schuster’s evolution—after acknowledging past missteps (e.g. blackface in Mama Jack), he publicly committed to not using those methods going forward .
- Nostalgia vs. Progress—while older fans enjoy the familiar chaos, critics suggest comedy should evolve with changing social attitudes .
Final Takeaway
Mr Bones 3: Son of Bones offers fans a return to slapstick, cultural satire, and father-son dynamics in Kuvukiland. Though it didn’t match earlier box office heights, it found its place as a nostalgic crowd-pleaser with a healthy dose of affectionate absurdity.
At the same time, it highlights a changing South Africa, where comedic norms are increasingly scrutinized. The film occupies the tricky space between crowd-pleasing entertainment and the responsibility of representation—a relevant challenge for legacy creators and audiences alike.
