Film  

Things Fall Apart: Idris Elba as Okonkwo? A cultural Anomaly

By Ajuluchukwu Brown, Abuja

27 September 2024   |   10:34 am

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Like many African adaptations that have either suffered subpar execution or dim character interpretation, many have feared that the iconic Things Fall Apart, written by the adept and father of modern African literature, the late Prof. Chinua Achebe, is on the path to mediocrity. It was earlier reported that Idris Elba is set to portray…

Like many African adaptations that have either suffered subpar execution or dim character interpretation, many have feared that the iconic Things Fall Apart, written by the adept and father of modern African literature, the late Prof. Chinua Achebe, is on the path to mediocrity.

It was earlier reported that Idris Elba is set to portray the iconic character Okonkwo in the upcoming ‘Things Fall Apart Series’. In the original adaptation, Okonkwo was energetically brought to life by Chief Pete Edochie, whose powerful portrayal immortalised him as one of the cinema greats. In an interview, Chief Pete Edochie shared a poignant anecdote about his portrayal of Okonkwo, revealing that the BBC flew in to interview him and also journeyed to America to interview Chinua Achebe, the author of the novel.

Achebe himself praised Edochie’s interpretation, saying, “Pete Edochie gave that role an interpretation after my heart.” Before Achebe’s passing, he affectionately referred to Edochie as Okonkwo, a testament to the profound impact of Edochie’s performance.

In the upcoming adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart,” the casting of Idris Elba as Okonkwo has sparked some debate. Some critics argue that Elba, despite his talent, may not have the cultural insight needed to portray the complex character of Okonkwo authentically.

Samuel David an X user, said: “Elba’s interpretation is a huge disregard in Nollywood actors. This can’t continue to happen”

Chinonso Maxwell, a Facebook user said: “If you fail to tell your story well as Nollywood, Hollywood will do a shabby job and make money from it.”

Sally Gift, an X user, said: “I don’t see anything wrong with it. Elba is the producer and he is a brilliant actor.”

They suggest that there are numerous talented Nollywood actors who could bring a deeper understanding to the role. This casting decision has raised questions about the potential success of the adaptation. Only time will reveal whether this will be a successful portrayal or another disappointment for fans of the novel.