Nollywood veteran Bob-Manuel Udokwu has expressed reservations about Idris Elba’s casting as Okonkwo in the upcoming TV adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart.” Speaking to Channels TV, Udokwu acknowledged Elba’s talent but emphasized that Nigerian actors could bring a deeper understanding to the role.
“I think we have top-class actors in Nigeria who can play that role even better, knowing where the story is coming from,” Udokwu stated. He welcomed the collaboration between Nollywood and other film industries, revealing his own project featuring Bollywood and Hollywood actors.
The A24-produced series, with Elba and Gina Carter as executive producers, is the latest adaptation of Achebe’s classic novel. Previous versions include a film and miniseries starring Pete Edochie as Okonkwo.