Variety reported that a TV series adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” is in development at A24 with Idris Elba, a British actor is attached to star and executive produce.
Elba will executive produce along with Gina Carter under their recently-launched 22Summers production banner. David Oyelowo and Amanda N’Duka will executive produce via Yoruba Saxon. Ben Forkner, Dayo Ogunyemi and Achebe Masterworks also serve as executive producers. A24 is the studio.
The official description of “Things Fall Apart” states it is the “story of Okonkwo (Elba), one of literature’s most iconic characters—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.”
“Things Fall Apart” is widely regarded as one of the greatest novels ever written. It has been translated into over 60 languages and won awards like the Nigerian National Merit Award and the Man Booker International Prize. It is the first book of Achebe’s African Trilogy, followed by “No Longer at Ease” and “Arrow of God.” It has previously been adapted as both a film and miniseries, with Pete Edochie starring as Okonkwo in the miniseries.
However, Nigerians are not as pleased with the development as they query if the British actor will be able to bring to life the role of Okonkwo in the movie. A lot of people have wondered why seasoned Nollywood actors can’t be given the major role, as they feared that there will be lapses in the movie like British accents where a typical Igbo accent should be.
Recall that Chinua Achebe in 2011 had rejected $1 million that American rapper, 50 cent offered to use the title of his literature ‘Things Fall Apart’ for his movie, upon rejection, the rapper had to change his movie title to ‘All Things Fall Apart’, it seems the literature will be interpreted in British English upon his demise, even when Nigerians posted their reactions.
@47kasz: “If they ain’t gon cast Nigerians then they shouldn’t make it. I hate when I hear stupid accents”
@lollypeezle: “Things fall apart without core Igbo Actors that have the right accent will never make sense. To hell with this nonsense.”
@Ugochukwu_96: “Why should Americans tell and represent a story native to Nigerians? What happened to using Nigerians as actors in the movie? Even if they don’t want to use Nigerians, can’t they use igbo American actors like Chiwetel Ejiofor? Things fall Apart has a very deep meaning to we igbo people. It is not just about the story, it depicts our culture. Idris reading a script and acting it can not bring out the emotional side of the story. Idris is a great actor no doubt, but not for this kind of very cultural igbo movie. We want a traditional igbo man to act it. Not some forced American accent. You don’t ever see Americans acting native Chinese movies that talks about their culture and traditions. Why are they doing the something to Nigeria??”
@nkechi_first: “Nigeria and indeed Igbo land has a lot of actors that can Star in this TV series.”
@pearlpelay01: “Things fall apart is going to be a Tv series and Idris will be playing “Okonkwo” but I just KNOW Idris Elba can’t Okonkwo is Igbo! Mannerism, Intonation, or Personality-wise, Idris Elba can’t do it”
@theallfather_0: “t’s high time we let africans play African roles We have exceptional actors too yunno It’s our story, let us lead too Enough of that foolish accent”
@Nigerian_djudju: “Whatever you want to do, use indigenous actors. Specifically, try and use actors that speak Igbo or have studied the language and culture. If not, it will just be a white movie with black actors. And that’s ewww”
@E_Mbuyazi: “Let one of the Igbo producers step up and do what the Yoruba producers are doing. ‘Things Fall Apart’ is a good product of the Igbos, remake a fantastic movie from it and don’t let Hollywood produce something cringy. And let the dialogue be in Igbo, well subtitled in almost all major languages of the world”
@Albactin: “It is good news, now I will be able to watch the life of Okonkwo, a proud and influential Igbo warrior, unfold on screen. A TV series adaptation of literary classic Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’, with such a powerful story and a stellar cast will be worth watching.”
@Tayyabansari004: “That’s awesome news about the TV series adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s ‘THINGS FALL APART’! Having Idris Elba attached to star and David Oyelowo as a producer sounds like a fantastic combination. It’s always exciting to see such talented actors and creators coming together for a project.”
@MukaRRamAli005: “This is going to be incredible! Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’ is such a powerful story, and with Idris Elba involved, it’s bound to be amazing.”
@buzzedison: “This is still a good thing. Let’s take the win.”
@Champagnediet1: “Now they’ll try to use that stupeed accent that’s not ours.”
Sources: variety.com
X/@FilmUpdates
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