A24 is developing a television adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s iconic novel Things Fall Apart, with Idris Elba set to star as the lead character and executive produce the series. This exclusive news was first reported by Variety.
Things Fall Apart tells the story of Okonkwo, one of the most iconic figures in African literature. Okonkwo, a powerful warrior and leader, is determined to uphold his culture and community as British colonizers begin to disrupt the traditional way of life. The narrative centers around Okonkwo’s personal struggle to maintain his authority and preserve the customs of his people in the face of colonization, making his journey both a poignant and tragic confrontation with change.
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Elba will portray Okonkwo in the adaptation. The actor will also serve as executive producer through his production company, 22Summers, alongside his partner Gina Carter. David Oyelowo and Amanda N’Duka will executive produce under the Yoruba Saxon banner, with Ben Forkner, Dayo Ogunyemi, and Achebe Masterworks also attached as executive producers. While A24 is set as the studio behind the series, no writer has yet been named, and the project has not been picked up by a network or streaming service.
Widely considered one of the greatest novels of all time, Things Fall Apart has been translated into more than 60 languages and has earned several prestigious awards, including the Nigerian National Merit Award and the Man Booker International Prize. Achebe’s novel, the first of his African Trilogy, is followed by No Longer at Ease and Arrow of God. The story has previously been adapted into both film and television, with the 1987 miniseries starring Nigerian actor Pete Edochie in the role of Okonkwo.
Idris Elba continues to shine both on and off the screen. The actor recently earned an Emmy nomination for his performance in the Apple TV+ series Hijack, adding to his four previous Emmy nominations, including his celebrated role as DCI John Luther in Luther and his guest appearance in the comedy series The Big C. Elba is also known for his roles in HBO’s The Wire, Beasts of No Nation, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, The Harder They Fall, and for portraying Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In addition to acting, David Oyelowo’s Yoruba Saxon production company recently produced the Paramount+ series Lawmen: Bass Reeves, with Oyelowo starring as the legendary lawman. Yoruba Saxon is also behind the upcoming Apple TV+ series Government Cheese, in which Oyelowo will star. The company’s film portfolio includes The Water Man, A United Kingdom, and the documentary Ferguson Rises.