Nigerian Actors Can Better Portray ‘Things Fall Apart’ Than Idris Elba – Bob-Manuel Udokwu

Nollywood veteran Bob-Manuel Udokwu has expressed his belief that a Nigerian actor would be better suited to play the role of Okonkwo in the upcoming TV adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s iconic novel “Things Fall Apart”, currently assigned to British actor Idris Elba.

In a recent interview, Udokwu emphasized that Nigerian actors possess a deeper cultural understanding and connection to the character, which would enable them to interpret the role more authentically.

“There’s been talk about Idris Elba being cast as Okonkwo in Hollywood’s adaptation of ‘Things Fall Apart.’ While I respect Elba’s talents as an actor, I firmly believe that we have top-notch Nigerian actors who could bring even more depth to the role, given their familiarity with the story’s origins,” Udokwu stated.

He also stressed the importance of collaboration between Nollywood and international film industries to enhance the global reach of Nigerian cinema.

“Nollywood has evolved significantly over the years. We have already proven to the world that we have world-class talent,” he said. “What we need now is more partnerships with our counterparts in Europe and North America. This collaborative approach is crucial for our growth, and we are beginning to see it happen gradually.”

Idris Elba is set to portray the character of Okonkwo, a role that was famously played by Nigerian legend Pete Edochie in the 1971 and 1987 adaptations of “Things Fall Apart.”