We’ve better actors – Bob-Manuel Udokwu on Idris Elba playing lead in ‘Things Fall Apart’ series TV Adaptation

Nollywood veteran, Bob-Manuel Udokwu has reacted to the report that Hollywood actor, Idris Elba will star as the lead character, “Okonkwo” in a television adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s seminal novel ‘Things Fall Apart.’

Variety recently reported that the series is currently in development at A24, with Elba Elba and Gina Carter serving as executive producers under their 22Summers banner.

Reacting in an interview with Channels TV, Udokwu said he has nothing against Elba playing the lead role but insisted that Nigeria has top-class actors who can play the role better.

“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, however, mentioned that the ongoing collaboration between Nollywood and other movie industries is a positive development.

He revealed that he is currently working on a movie that features actors from Bollywood and Hollywood.
‘Things Fall Apart’ is the first in Achebe’s celebrated African Trilogy, followed by No Longer at Ease and Arrow of God.

Previous adaptations have included a film and a miniseries, the latter starring Pete Edochie as Okonkwo.