Overview:
Idris Elba has officially signed on to be the executive producer of the highly acclaimed book turned series, Things Fall Apart.
Elba will also be joining the cast of the A24 TV adaptation of Things Fall Apart, taking on the role of Okonkwo, one of literature’s most iconic characters. Okonkwo is depicted as a proud and fearless African warrior and leader who is determined to uphold his people’s culture in the face of British colonization. His unwavering resistance to change and strict adherence to tradition lead to a powerful struggle as his world undergoes transformation, resulting in a compelling narrative of strength, vulnerability, and inevitable change.
Things Fall Apart is the debut novel of Chinua Achebe, written in English and published in 1958. It played a significant role in the Nigerian literary renaissance of the 1960s and has been translated into 57 languages, selling over 20 million copies to date. The novel is the first installment in The African Trilogy, which chronicles the story of modern Nigeria across three generations, from initial colonial interactions to urban migration.
Chinua Achebe (1930-2013) was a renowned Nigerian novelist and poet, often referred to as the father of modern African literature. He taught at Brown University and Bard College, receiving accolades such as the Nigerian National Merit Award and the Man Booker International Prize for lifetime achievement.
Aside from his acting role, Elba will be involved in the production of the series as an executive producer, alongside Gina Carter through their production company, 22Summers. David Oyelowo and Amanda N’Duka will also serve as executive producers under Yoruba Saxon. Ben Forkner, Dayo Ogunyemi, and Achebe Masterworks are also part of the production team. A24 is the studio behind the project, with the search for a writer currently in progress.