Hollywood star Idris Elba is set to take on the legendary role of Okonkwo in a new television adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s literary classic Things Fall Apart, Variety reports. This iconic role was originally portrayed by veteran Nigerian actor Pete Edochie in the 1987 Nigerian miniseries adaptation, which was directed by David Orere and aired on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). The adaptation, a staple of African literature on screen, also starred acclaimed actors like Justus Esiri, Nkem Owoh, and Sam Loco Efe.
Originally published in 1958 when Achebe was only 28, Things Fall Apart has become one of Africa’s most important literary works. It has been translated into more than 50 languages and has sold over 10 million copies worldwide. In 2014, it was named by Amazon as one of the “100 Books to Read in a Lifetime.” The novel captures the complexity of African societies at the time of British colonization, focusing on the story of Okonkwo, a revered warrior and leader determined to protect his community’s traditions.
The new TV adaptation, currently being developed by A24, will see Idris Elba in the lead role of Okonkwo, following in the footsteps of Pete Edochie’s unforgettable portrayal. Elba will also serve as an executive producer, alongside British-Nigerian actor David Oyelowo and Amanda N’Duka, through Yoruba Saxon. Other executive producers include Ben Forkner, Dayo Ogunyemi, and Achebe Masterworks.
While no writer has yet been confirmed, the production team revealed that Elba and Gina Carter will produce through their newly launched production company, 22 Summers. The casting for supporting roles, crew members, and filming locations have yet to be disclosed.
The official description of the series highlights that Elba’s Okonkwo is “one of literature’s most iconic characters—a fearless African warrior and leader determined to preserve his people and culture.” His unrelenting resolve in the face of British colonialism sets up an intense, emotional conflict that continues to resonate with readers around the world.
The Achebe family, through Achebe Masterworks, first announced the series during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Christie Achebe, the late author’s wife, stated that “the message of my husband’s work is urgent, especially for Millennials and Generation Z, who are challenging systemic racism and driving the Black Lives Matter movement.” She emphasized that Chinua Achebe’s storytelling from an African perspective makes his work as relevant as ever today.
The adaptation of Things Fall Apart will be part of a larger project, which will also cover Achebe’s other novels Arrow of God and No Longer At Ease. Together, the series will explore sweeping societal changes in Nigeria, from the end of the 19th century through the pre-independence era of the mid-20th century.
Fans of the novel and African cinema alike eagerly anticipate how this new version will bring Achebe’s timeless work to a global television audience, bridging generations with its themes of power, tradition, and the inevitable forces of change.
