A TV adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s iconic novel Things Fall Apart is currently in development with A24 with acclaimed actor Idris Elba attached to star as the legendary character Okonkwo. Elba will also serve as an executive producer, the authoritative film industry news outlet Variety has revealed.
Although no writer is yet attached to the project and it has not been picked up by any streaming service or network, Elba’s production company 22Summers, along with executive producers David Oyelowo and Amanda N’Duka of Yoruba Saxon, are leading the charge. A24 is set to produce the series, with Ben Forkner, Dayo Ogunyemi, and Achebe Masterworks also serving as executive producers.
The story of Okonkwo and colonial tensions
Things Fall Apart tells the powerful story of Okonkwo (to be portrayed by Elba), a revered African warrior and leader committed to preserving his culture and people in the face of British colonisation. Okonkwo’s tragic journey explores his fierce determination to maintain his authority and traditions, but his unyielding nature becomes his downfall in an ever-changing world. The character embodies the tension between strength, vulnerability, and adaptability—an unforgettable figure in global literature.
Achebe’s novel, first published in 1958, is considered one of the greatest works of modern African literature. It has been translated into over 60 languages and has received multiple accolades, including the Nigerian National Merit Award and the Man Booker International Prize. This adaptation marks a new chapter for Things Fall Apart, which was previously adapted as a film and miniseries, starring Pete Edochie as Okonkwo in the latter.
Elba and Oyelowo lead a star-studded team
Idris Elba, well-known for his Emmy-nominated roles in Hijack and Luther, is no stranger to powerful performances. From his portrayal of Stringer Bell in HBO’s The Wire to his role in Beasts of No Nation and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Elba has built a reputation for bringing complex characters to life. His film credits also include roles in The Harder They Fall, Suicide Squad, and Marvel’s Thor series, where he played Heimdall.
David Oyelowo, another heavyweight in the project, is also executive producing through his production company Yoruba Saxon. Oyelowo has a diverse slate of work, from starring in and producing the Paramount+ series Lawmen: Bass Reeves to his acclaimed role in A United Kingdom. Yoruba Saxon is also involved in the upcoming Apple TV+ series Government Cheese.
Anticipation builds for a classic African story on screen
The demand for African narratives has been on the rise, fuelled by a growing appetite for diverse stories globally. With Things Fall Apart being a literary masterpiece and a cornerstone of African storytelling, this TV adaptation comes at a time when viewers are increasingly seeking authentic portrayals of Africa’s rich history and culture.
The production team is yet to announce a streaming partner, but with A24 behind the project and the powerful combination of Elba and Oyelowo, excitement is already building around how this adaptation will honour Achebe’s profound exploration of African tradition and the devastating impacts of colonialism.
This upcoming adaptation of Things Fall Apart promises to be a significant contribution to television, offering audiences a fresh portrayal of one of Africa’s most important stories.
