Seasoned actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu has weighed in on Idris Elba’s potential casting as Okonkwo in the upcoming TV adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s classic novel “Things Fall Apart”.
In an interview with Channels TV, Udokwu, while acknowledging Elba’s talent, emphasised the importance of casting Nigerian actors in leading roles, especially in stories deeply rooted in Nigerian culture.
“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 also welcomed the growing collaboration between Nollywood and international film industries, revealing his current project features actors from Bollywood and Hollywood.
Previous adaptations of “Things Fall Apart” include a film and miniseries, notably starring Pete Edochie as Okonkwo.
The A24 series, executive-produced by Idris Elba and Gina Carter, is currently in development.
