Nigerian social media users are wondering why British actor, Idris Elba has been selected to portray the character of Okonkwo in the adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s classic novel, ‘Things Fall Apart’, in a new TV series by American entertainment company, A24.
According to English tabloid, Variety, apart from playing the lead role as the protagonist, Elba will also serve as executive producer alongside Gina Carter under their 22Summers production banner, while Nigerian film makers, David Oyelowo and Amanda N’Duka, will be the executive producers.
“Things Fall Apart states it is the “story of Okonkwo (Elba), one of literature’s most iconic characters—a fearless African warrior and leader who is resolute about preserving his people and culture,” the tabloid wrote.
“As British colonisers disrupt his world, Okonkwo’s struggle to maintain power and tradition spirals into a heart-wrenching confrontation. His fierce resolve, a fatal flaw in the face of unstoppable change, makes him an unforgettable character, embodying the tension between strength, vulnerability and adaptability,” it added.
However, Nigerian Netizens are not happy with the arrangement as they believe a Nigerian actor in the mould of Pete Edochie should have been the right fit for the role as he had played Okonkwo when the novel was first adapted as a movie in 1971 and later as a mini-series in 1987.
They are also wondering how Elba who is British, will be able to handle Igbo words and proverbs which made the Okonkwo character unique.
Others were also quick to point out Elba’s bad ‘African’ accent as noticed in the movie Wakanda accent.
Read some of the comments below:
I know there’s a need to sell the product to a wider audience, but Idris Elba should not be Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart. Not when at the very least Chiwetel Ejiofor could easily play the role better as an igbo man.
https://x.com/xavierighorodje/status/1839642070819999758?t=Bq2BCUAgOkWsJl9FavJcEA&s=19
Casting Idris Elba as Okonkwo in “Things Fall Apart” is all shades of wrong. It’s so wrong, there’s nothing right about it. This is a story of Pre-colonial igbo land. Is he going to speak Igbo or will he condition his tongue to imitate the Nigerian accent?
https://x.com/GayleZoie/status/1839471794601840645?t=Xk6KaTI5A7-DPH3KmY8hlw&s=19
I hate how foreign actors have wakanda-rised our accents.
There is nothing like “African accent” We speak English with impressions from our native dialects. Meaning, every tribe has a distinctive different accent. Every country too.
https://x.com/GayleZoie/status/1839475027227328894?t=Mjd-4aP-xKg8PNmtzWjedg&s=19
The first film adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”, was done by the Nigerian Television Authority in the 1980s, with Pete Edochie in the lead role. I know we are quick to jump on the “we don’t tell our stories” bandwagon, but as usual, Nigerians don’t ask questions.
https://x.com/cchukudebelu/status/1839596951743893974?t=7cqdyiThfBY8ttzUYPbLxA&s=19
Idris Elba to cast as ‘okonkwo’ in the new TV series adaptation of chinua Achebe’s “Things fall apart.” I don’t seem to understand it when an actor like Chiwetalu ejiofor is still well and alive.
Make una think am well na!
https://x.com/Bekee_chetanna/status/1839555887368753412?t=nFMNelRdEBoHR3czo0cVtg&s=19
It’s no surprise that Idris Elba is set to feature as Okonkwo in the adaptation of ‘Things Fall Apart’ by Chinua Achebe
The mëdiocrity & substandard nature of Nollywood is nothing any reasonable person in Hollywood will want to be associated with Chilwell Ejiofor, Brighton Falz
https://x.com/thecriticblog1/status/1839639327501951319?t=yrIHSY6vHbHEsjKOUmllxw&s=19
Chiwetel Ejiofor or Uzor Arukwe for Okonkwo in this new movie of Chinua Achebe Things fall apart over Idris Elba.
https://x.com/Paulechidi/status/1839570390475018642?t=q8tYngNDGjy7-W5Otp2ojA&s=19
Even if it’s about numbers, I still don’t like the idea of Idris Elba, as Okonkwo in Things fall apart. Ahn ahn! Don’t we have good, talented Nollywood actor that can kill that role? Except it’s not original Things fall apart they wan do shaa.
Why do they want to remake it sef?
https://x.com/AmaraDeborah1/status/1839560021366943972?t=VD1172PNTVmWivxKx3cRDQ&s=19
The post Nigerians query why British actor Idris Elba should star as Okonkwo in ‘Things Fall Apart’ adaptation appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Naomisophyblog.
