The news that Hollywood actor Idris Elba will play the title role of “Okonkwo” in a television version of Chinua Achebe’s groundbreaking novel “Things Fall Apart” has prompted legendary Nollywood actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu to respond.
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 saisaidl
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.
Written By Sunny Green Itodo