Idris Elba to star as Okonkwo in ‘Things Fall Apart’ adaptation

British actor Idris Elba is set to portray Okonkwo, the protagonist of Chinua Achebe’s iconic novel Things Fall Apart, in a new TV series adaptation by American entertainment company A24.

Elba, known for his roles in Thor, The Suicide Squad, and Beasts of No Nation, will also serve as the series’ producer.

The series, still in its early stages, has not yet secured a writer or a streaming platform.

According to Variety, the official description of Things Fall Apart states that it is the “story of Okonkwo (Elba), one of literature’s most iconic characters—a fearless African warrior and leader who is resolute about preserving his people and culture. As British colonisers disrupt his world, Okonkwo’s struggle to maintain power and tradition spirals into a heart-wrenching confrontation. His fierce resolve, a fatal flaw in the face of unstoppable change, makes him an unforgettable character, embodying the tension between strength, vulnerability, and adaptability.”

Elba will executive produce the series under his 22Summers production banner alongside Gina Carter.

David Oyelowo and Amanda N’Duka will also serve as executive producers through Yoruba Saxon, while Ben Forkner, Dayo Ogunyemi, and Achebe Masterworks will join as additional executive producers. A24 is the studio behind the adaptation.

Things Fall Apart was first adapted as a movie in 1971 and later as a mini-series in 1987, where renowned Nigerian actor Pete Edochie famously portrayed Okonkwo.