- A series adaptation remake of the 1987 iconic movie, “Things Fall Apart” is in the works
- In the upcoming series produced by David Oyelowo, British actor and rapper Idris Elba is said to play the lead role of Okonkwo
- Netizens have shared mixed feelings about Idris Elba’s lead role, with many arguing his ability to deliver the role like the original movie
A TV series on Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’ is currently in the development stage at A24 studio with British actor Idris Elba as the lead to play Okonkwo.
Aside from starring as the lead, the adaptation series would also be executively produced by Idris Elba alongside Gina Carter under their recently launched 22Summers production banner.
In a report by Variety on Thursday, September 26, David Oyelowo and Amanda N’Duka will executive produce the series via Yoruba Saxon.
It was also revealed that Ben Forkner, Dayo Ogunyemi and Achebe Masterworks will also serve as executive producers.
Meanwhile, the original adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart,’ released in 1987 and directed by David Orere featured legendary Nollywood actors Pete Edochie as the lead alongside Sam Loco, Olu Jacobs, Patience Ozorkwor, Nkem Owoh, Justice Esiri, Elizabeth Okaro, and others.
Story plot for Idris Elba’s upcoming ‘Things Fall Apart’ series
According to Variety, The plot for ‘Things Fall Apart’ is said to revolve around Okonkwo (Idris Elba), who is Achebe's literature’s most iconic character. He is a fearless African warrior and leader who is resolute about preserving his people and culture.
As British colonizers disrupt his world, Okonkwo’s struggle to maintain power and tradition spirals into a heart-wrenching confrontation.
His fierce resolve, a fatal flaw in the face of unstoppable change, makes him an unforgettable character, embodying the tension between strength, vulnerability and adaptability.
Netizens share mixed feelings about Idris Elba’s role in ‘Things Fall Apart’ series
Following the recent news of British actor Idris Elba featuring as the lead for Chinua Achebe’s iconic book Things Fall Apart, in a new TV series has caused a stir online. Netizens argue whether or not he will deliver the role as Pete Edochie in the original adaptation.
TheRadar curated some below:
@oluwatogunmii_ said, “Idris Elba as Okonkwo when Stan Nze is well and alive. Come on now.”
@Zulu_a wrote, “Idris Elba as Okonkwo ke? lol things are really falling apart o.”
@Vanessa_ohaha said, “Me every 30 seconds for the past three hours! Idris Elba and David Oyelowo! Una do me strong tin!”
@GayleZoie said, “Casting Idris Elba as Okonkwo in "Things Fall Apart" is all shades of wrong. It's so wrong, there's nothing right about it. This is a story of Pre-colonial igbo land. Is he going to speak Igbo or will he condition his tongue to imitate the Nigerian accent?”
@abingos commented, “On the other hand, it will give it a much wider audience. What's the point of casting an Igbo person if not enough people see the movie? It's "acting", after all!”
@omopeiswriting said, “God, my chest is hurting. Imagine watching Things Fall Apart and hearing Idris Elba talk in that wassup wakandan accent I cannot do anything about? Jesus takes the wheel. Omg.”
@Deyvxxd said, “Beast of no nation was a success, trust Idris Elba to nail it.”
@jobosonchisa said, “Mahn, Things have been Falling Apart ever since Asake made Idris Elba voice in his Lungu Boy documentary.”
@Toniplester said, “I wish people would stop being weird: It’s a book, it’s not real, take a really big deep breath. If they want Jacob Elordi or Idris Elba to play that man then so be it. Why? Because it’s not real.”
TheRadar Box Office: Ranking 10 highest-grossing Nollywood films of all time
What truly makes a box office hit film? Some might say it is popularity or story or money. Regardless, some films have cracked the code.
From A Tribe Called Judah, Sugar Rush, The Wedding Party, and Mailaka, TheRadar curated a full list of all the Nollywood films that have risen as the Top 10 highest-grossing films of all time in descending order.
