Nigerians question why British actor Idris Elba had to play Okonkwo in ‘Things Fall Apart’ adaptation

Nigerian social media users are wondering why British actor, Idris Elba was chosen to play 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 British tabloid Variety, in addition to playing the lead role as the protagonist, Elba will also serve as executive producer alongside Gina Carter under the production banner 22Summers, while Nigerian filmmakers David Oyelowo and Amanda N’Duka will executive produce. manufacturer.

“Things Fall Apart states that it is “the story of Okonkwo (Elba), one of the most iconic characters in literature—a fearless African warrior and leader determined to preserve his people and culture,” the tabloid wrote.

“When British colonialists encroach on his world, Okonkwo’s struggle to maintain power and tradition turns into a heart-wrenching confrontation. “Her fierce determination, fatal weakness in the face of unstoppable change, make her an unforgettable character, embodying the tension between strength, vulnerability and adaptability,” he added.

However, Nigerian netizens were not happy with the arrangement as they believed the Nigerian actor who played Pete Edochie should be suitable for the role as he played Okonkwo when the novel was first adapted into a film in 1971 and then as a mini-series in 1987.

They also wondered how Elba, who is British, would handle the Igbo words and proverbs that make Okonkwo’s character unique.

Others were also quick to point out Elba’s bad ‘African’ accent as seen in the film’s Wakandan accent.

Read some of the comments below:

I know there’s a need to sell products to a wider audience, but Idris Elba wasn’t supposed to be Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart. At least not, Chiwetel Ejiofor could easily have played a better role as the igbo man.

https://x.com/xavirighorodje/status/1839642070819999758?t=Bq2BCUAgOkWsJl9FavJcEA&s=19

Casting Idris Elba as Okonkwo in “Things Fall Apart” was a mistake. That’s so wrong, there’s nothing right about it. This is the story of pre-colonial Igbo land. Will he speak Igbo or will he condition his tongue to imitate a Nigerian accent?

https://x.com/GayleZoie/status/1839471794601840645?t=Xk6KaTI5A7-DPH3KmY8hlw&s=19

I hate how foreign actors enhance our Wakanda accents.
There is nothing like an “African accent”. We speak English with an impression of our native dialect. This means that each tribe has a different distinctive 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 made 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 story” bandwagon, but as usual, Nigerians don’t ask.

https://x.com/cchukudebelu/status/1839596951743893974?t=7cqdyiThfBY8ttzUYPbLxA&s=19

Idris Elba will star as ‘okonkwo’ in the new TV series adaptation of chinua Achebe’s “Things fall apart”. I don’t think I understand when an actor like Chiwetalu ejiofor is still healthy and alive.
Make you think I’m fine, na!

https://x.com/Bekee_chetanna/status/1839555887368753412?t=nFMNelRdEBoHR3czo0cVtg&s=19

It’s no surprise that Idris Elba will star as Okonkwo in Chinua Achebe’s adaptation of ‘Things Fall Apart’

The mediocre & subpar nature of Nollywood is not what any reasonable person in Hollywood would want to associate with Chilwell Ejiofor, Brighton Falz

https://x.com/thecriticblog1/status/1839639327501951319?t=yrIHSY6vHbHEsjKOUmllxw&s=19

Chiwetel Ejiofor or Uzor Arukwe as Okonkwo in Chinua Achebe’s new film Everything is falling apart because of Idris Elba.

https://x.com/Paulechidi/status/1839570390475018642?t=q8tYngNDGjy7-W5Otp2ojA&s=19

Even when it comes to numbers, I still don’t like Idris Elba’s idea, because Okonkwo in Things is a mess. Ahn ahn! Don’t we have good and talented Nollywood actors who can kill that role? Except it’s not original. Things are falling apart, they want to do it shaa.
Why would they want to remake it themselves?

https://x.com/AmaraDeborah1/status/1839560021366943972?t=VD1172PNTVmWivxKx3cRDQ&s=19

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