Luthando BU Mthembu, known for his charming portrayal of Vuyani in Adulting, has made a significant mark on Showmax’s hit series. As the highly anticipated Season 3 of Adulting hits the platform, viewers are excited to see how Vuyani’s character evolves, especially as he steps into the role of a club owner. The stakes are higher than ever, as the characters face their deepest fears and desires while trying to keep their friendships intact. Mthembu recently shared his thoughts on his character’s journey, the success of the show, and some memorable moments behind the scenes.
In Season 2, we saw Vuyani make an attempt to turn his life around, but his journey is far from simple. Despite his intelligence and charm, Vuyani’s main vice remains his love for women, and his struggle with unemployment adds complexity to his character. Mthembu describes Vuyani’s evolution in Season 3 as a significant step forward.
“I can say he steps up significantly this season,” Mthembu teases. “Without giving too much away, Vuyani has some major moments that show growth. He’s still navigating his weaknesses but is using his strengths in new ways. There’s a lot more at stake this time, and Vuyani will surprise the audience.”
Mthembu credits the show’s success to the collaborative effort of the entire cast and crew. “It’s about everyone coming together and bringing their unique talents to the table,” he says. He also points out that the creativity encouraged on set allowed him to incorporate his own passion for music into the show. In fact, Mthembu’s music was featured in Season 1, and he hopes his latest tracks make it into Season 3 as well.
Another memorable moment from the show is the handstand scene in Season 1, which Mthembu turned into a yoga move during a sex scene. “That was one of my yoga poses,” he shares, laughing. “I thought it would add something fresh to the scene. It was a fun way to bring my personal experience into the character.”
Actors often face the challenge of being typecast, and Mthembu is no stranger to that reality. Viewers often associate actors with the characters they play, and for Mthembu, the line between Vuyani and himself can blur.
“It’s a matter of education,” he explains. “When you play a character well, people sometimes forget it’s just a role. They see you doing something, like a frog jump with Thembi Seete’s character, and then they think that’s who you really are.” For Mthembu, that’s both a compliment and a challenge. “It just means I did my job well,” he said.
Intimacy scenes are often the subject of much discussion, especially when they break the internet like Mthembu’s scenes with Thembi Seete in Season 2. He emphasizes the importance of trust and respect between co-stars when shooting these vulnerable moments.
“I think it’s important to understand that everyone is vulnerable in those scenes,” Mthembu says. “I remember my first sex scene on Ayeye: Stripped with Rosemary Zimu. She helped me navigate it, and I took away a sense of ubuntu from that experience.”
On Adulting, the use of intimacy coaches has been invaluable in creating a safe space for actors. Mthembu also credits Seete’s professionalism and warmth for making the scenes comfortable. “It’s all about staying true to the purpose of the scene and respecting what the show is trying to create,” he says.
As Season 3 progresses, Mthembu promises more emotional depth for Vuyani. “We’ve seen everyone else show vulnerability, but Vuyani and Mpho have been holding back,” he hints. “This season, Vuyani is going to shed a tear, and viewers will really feel what he’s going through. I’m excited for everyone to see that.”
Bonga’s relationship with Vuyani is a central element of the show. Their dynamic is often tense, as Bonga challenges Vuyani’s choices and holds him to a higher standard. Mthembu believes Bonga’s criticism comes from a place of concern, but also a bit of envy. “Bonga sees Vuyani’s potential and wants him to step up,” Mthembu says. “He feels like Vuyani is choosing the easy way out by getting involved with older women. But that honesty is what makes their relationship so real
One of the standout moments from Season 2 was the infamous scene where Vuyani uses his teeth to remove a g-string. Mthembu admits it was his idea, but he had to get permission first. “That’s my favorite scene,” he says, laughing. “I wasn’t aroused while filming, but watching the final edit, I definitely felt something.”
