Chinua Achebe’s historical literature, ‘Things Fall Apart,’ is set to be adapted to television series by American entertainment company, ‘A24,’ with Hollywood star, Idris Elba, set to play the iconic role of ‘Okonkwo’ in the TV series.
There has, however, been no writer attached to the work and no streaming service or network confirmed to air it.
The series is, in effect, still at its infant stages.
A24 says that the series will mirror in on the character, ‘Okonkwo,’ and his quest to guard his Igbo traditions against infiltration from the British colonialists.
Elba, through his production company, 22Summers, will serve as Executive Producer as well.
Other Executive Producers for the forthcoming project include: Gina Carter; David Oyelowo; Amanda N’Duka; Ben Forkner; Dayo Ogunyemi and; Achebe Masterworks.
The news of Idris Elba playing the key African figure in the soon-to-be series has not gone down well with sections of the Nigerian population.
There are those on social media who have expressed their displeasure at a foreigner playing the charater; others prefering Nigerian local actors instead.
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Some users on social media are of the belief that such a work must include several Nollywood actors.
The first adaptation of Things Fall Apart into a movie was in 1971.
It was later adapted into a mini-series in 1987, with legendary Actor, Pete Edochie, playing ‘Okonkwo.’
Idris Elba is a household name that comes highly recommended, with his star roles in Thor, The Suicide Squad, Pacific Rim, and Beasts of No Nation, earning him more and more rave reviews.
He has also appeared in TV series like The Wire and Luther.
