Idris Elba is attached to star in A24's TV 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 on HBO. The ruler and the titular detective in the BBC Luther. He was nominated for six Emmy Awards in his career, including four for LutherOne for The big CAnd one recently for Apple TV 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 through his recently launched 22Summers banner alongside actor David Oyelowo's production company, Yoruba Saxon.
What to know about things falling apart
Who is Idris Elba playing and what is it about?
Things fall apart is not only a highly influential African novel of the 20th century, 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 on to power and tradition, leading to conflict. His unwavering determination, which is ultimately his downfall in the face of inevitable change, makes him an unforgettable tragic character, capturing the struggle between strength, vulnerability and adaptability.
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Things fall apart is the first book in Chinua Achebe's African trilogy, followed by the sequels No more at ease And Arrow of GodEnsuring that if the TV adaptation of A24 is successful, The series will have a lot 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. The TV adaptation of A24 does not yet have a writer attached, and it is not currently connected to 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 Leone 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 commander in Animals of any nationThe latter earned him Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations for best supporting actor. Furthermore, his 2022 movie Animal was placed on a South African game reserve. with Things fall apartElba is now set to star in an adaptation of one of the most important African stories ever told.
Source: Variety