‘Things Fall Apart’ series TV adaptation: Bob-Manuel Udokwu laments Idris Elba playing lead

Nollywood veteran Bob-Manuel Udokwu has responded to reports that Hollywood actor Idris Elba will play the principal character, "Okonkwo," in a television adaptation of Chinua Achebe's famous classic "Things Fall Apart."

Variety previously revealed that the series is now in development at A24, with Elba Elba and Gina Carter serving as executive producers under their 22Summers label.

In an interview with Channels TV, Udokwu stated that he had nothing against Elba taking the lead part, but that Nigeria has top-tier performers who are better suited for the job.

“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.

On the other hand, he noted that the continued cooperation between Nollywood and other film industries is a good thing.

He disclosed that he is now producing a film with Hollywood and Bollywood actors.
Achebe's renowned African Trilogy begins with "Things Fall Apart" and is followed by

"No Longer at Ease" and the "Arrow of God."

There have been other adaptations as well, such as a miniseries with Pete Edochie in the lead role of Okonkwo and a movie.