Veteran Nollywood actor, Bob-Manuel Udokwu has shared his thoughts on Idris Elba’s possible casting as Okonkwo in the forthcoming TV adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s iconic novel “Things Fall Apart.”
In an interview with Channels TV, Udokwu applauded Idris’ talent but also highlighted the significance of casting Nigerian actors in lead roles, especially for stories that are deeply tied to Nigerian culture.
“There’s this conversation about Idris Elba being cast to play Okonkwo in Hollywood’s make of ‘Things Fall Apart’. I don’t have anything against that as an actor but I think we have top-class actors in Nigeria who can play that role even better, knowing where the story is coming from,” he said.
He went on to express enthusiasm for the increasing collaboration between Nollywood and international film industries, sharing that his current project includes actors from both Bollywood and Hollywood, with distribution through online movie streaming platforms.
Past adaptations of “Things Fall Apart” include a film and a miniseries, with Pete Edochie notably portraying Okonkwo. The new A24 series, executive-produced by Idris Elba and Gina Carter, is currently in development.
