Bob-Manuel Udokwu opposes Idris Elba playing lead in ‘Things Fall Apart’ series TV Adaptation

A veteran of Nollywood, Bob-Manuel Udokwu, has responded to the news that Idris Elba, a Hollywood actor, will play the title role of “Okonkwo” in the television version of Chinua Achebe’s groundbreaking novel, Things Fall Apart.

According to a recent report from Variety, Elba Elba and Gina Carter are executive producing the series at A24 under the 22Summers banner.

In response, Udokwu stated in a Channels TV interview that while he has nothing against Elba playing the lead, Nigeria has superior performers who can carry off the part.

“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.