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South African actress Lesley-Ann Brandt on her devilish role in Lucifer

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Cape Town - South African actress Lesley-Ann Brandt takes on the role of Mazikeen, a demon from hell, in the TV series Lucifer, which in its fourth season found a new home on Netflix

Affectionately known as Maze, Lesley-Ann's character is a thousand-year-old demon from hell, who under the command of hell's ruler, Lucifer, tortured the souls of humans. 

If you're still not even the least bit fascinated, Lucifer once called her "the most skilled torturer hell has ever known."

When Lucifer leaves hell, Maze follows him to Los Angeles, where the wicked duo literally wreak hell on earth. 

Channel24 spoke to Lesley-Ann about Lucifer season four, and what she misses most about South African shores. 

Fans of the show launched a massive campaign to save Lucifer when it was cancelled by Fox after three seasons, which lead to show being picked up by Netflix in its fourth season. 

About the immense fan support and global campaign, she said: "We have a show because of these fans rallying all around the world. That is something we are all so grateful for."

The Cape Town born-and-bred actress said that viewers rallying together was "incredible" and that each and every viewer has "ownership in the show."

"That is something we are all so grateful for. I'm excited for our fans to see this new season," she said.

Lucifer
 

When asked how she felt when the news broke of the show being axed she said: "I was sad. While I never take anything for granted in this business because it's ever-changing, it just didn't feel right to end the show like that."

"I was also not ready to say goodbye to the cast," she added.

Even though Netflix is less restrictive with its maturity ratings than traditional TV, Lesley-Ann assures fans that the producers haven't made any "drastic" changes to the shows already highly-successful format. 

"We have 10 episodes now, so the story moves with intention and the stakes are high every episode. We also got rid of the 'filler scenes' and what you're left with is a much more character-driven show."

Maze worked alongside Lucifer at the Lux nightclub in Los Angeles, in earlier seasons, before starting a new career as a bounty hunter with the LAPD - which if you think about it suits her slightly sadistic composure. 

Not only does Maze experience a career change, in season four, we also discover a more vulnerable side to hell's once most brutal torturer.

Lucifer

About her character's development, she says: "Humanity has worn off on her. She's questioned a steadfast loyalty to her friend who had taken her for granted at times, she's made friends and in that, gained a new perspective on humanity and humans. She's matured somewhat, which is exciting to explore this season."

Maze is a master in hand-to-hand combat and has shown great combat skill both unarmed and with knives, and sticks. 

"I'm constantly in the gym as you can see on my Instagram account as for fights on the show, we take it scene by scene, and I learn choreography accordingly," Lesley-Ann says about preparing for the physically demanding role.  

In one particularly memorable fight scene, a bar fight breaks out and Maze breaks a wooden pool stick in two pieces, efficiently using the makeshift weapons to defeat a group of men.

Despite the genuine danger involved when performing stunts, Lesley-Ann says she has never injured herself. "Touch wood," she quickly exclaims. 

According to Lesley-Ann Lucifer season four is "a wild ride," and the 37-year-old recommends binge-watching the entire season.   

The actress, who is originally from Cape Town, says that the misses her family, friends and of course Table Mountain the most. 

She plans to be on home soil later this year, as her son hasn't met his South African family yet and she would love to be in the country for the arrival of one of her best friend's baby. 

Lucifer

(Photos: John P. Fleenor/Netflix)


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