Idris Elba is attached to star in A24’s television adaptation of a hugely influential 20th-century African novel, Things Fall Apart. Despite starring in both the Marvel and DC universes, Elba is perhaps better known for his television roles, starting with Stringer Bell in HBO’s The Wire and the titular detective in the BBC’s Luther. He’s been nominated for six Emmy Awards over his career, including four for Luther, one for The Big C, and one recently for Apple TV’s Hijack.
Now, the six-time Emmy-nominated actor is set to star in a television adaptation of a massively influential 20th-century African novel. According to Variety, Idris Elba is attached to star in and executive produce A24’s TV adaptation of the 1958 novel Things Fall Apart by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe. Elba will executive produce via his recently launched 22Summers banner alongside actor David Oyelowo’s production company, Yoruba Saxon.
What To Know About Things Fall Apart
Who Is Idris Elba Playing & What Is It About?
Things Fall Apart is not only a hugely influential 20th-century African novel, but is widely regarded as one of the greatest novels of all time. It features one of literature’s most iconic figures, Okonkwo, a brave African warrior and leader determined to protect his people and culture. Idris Elba will play the role of Okonkwo who, as British colonizers invade his world, fights to hold onto power and tradition, leading to conflict. His unwavering determination, which is ultimately his downfall in the face of inevitable change, makes him an unforgettably tragic character, capturing the struggle between strength, vulnerability, and adaptability.
Things Fall Apart is the first book in Chinua Achebe’s African Trilogy, followed by the sequels No Longer at Ease and Arrow of God, ensuring that if A24’s television adaptation is successful, the series will have plenty of source material to adapt over multiple seasons. Things Fall Apart was previously adapted into a 1971 film starring Johnny Sekka as Okonkwo and a 1987 miniseries starring Pete Edochie as Okonkwo. A24’s television adaptation doesn’t yet have a writer attached, and it isn’t currently associated with any streaming service or network.
Our Take On Idris Elba Starring In Things Fall Apart
The Actor Continues To Tell African Stories
Idris Elba, an English actor of Sierra Leonean and Ghanaian descent, has shown an interest in telling important African stories throughout his career. He played the famous South African President in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and a West African Commandant in Beasts of No Nation, the latter earning him Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations for Best Supporting Actor. Additionally, his 2022 movie Beast was set on a South African game reserve. With Things Fall Apart, Elba is now set to star in an adaptation of one of the most important African stories ever told.
Source: Variety