Veteran Nollywood actor Bob Manuel Udokwu has shared his thoughts on the casting of British actor Idris Elba as Okonkwo in the upcoming adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s classic novel Things Fall Apart. During his guest appearance on The Morning Brief, Udokwu engaged in a lively discussion about the current state of Nollywood and emphasized the importance of collaboration within the film industry.
When asked about the challenges facing Nigeria’s film sector, Udokwu pointed out that collaboration is crucial. “I said this years ago that Nollywood has come of age; now we don’t have to do much to prove to the world that we have world-class talent here,” he stated.
Regarding the casting of Elba, Udokwu acknowledged the British actor’s talent but expressed his belief that skilled Nigerian actors could have been cast in the role. “I don’t have anything against Idris Elba as an actor, but I think we have people who are top-class actors in Nigeria who can play that role better, knowing where that story is coming from,” he explained. He noted that this is a complex issue that could warrant further discussion.
The news of Elba’s casting has sparked significant reactions across social media, highlighting the ongoing discourse about representation in film.
Udokwu further emphasized the need for collaboration across different film industries, highlighting that this trend is already beginning to take shape. “What Nollywood needs now is collaboration, and it’s beginning to happen,” he remarked. He shared that he is involved in a production featuring major actors from India and a Hollywood-based actress, indicating that partnerships with European and North American counterparts are gradually developing.
In conclusion, Udokwu celebrated the immense talent in Nigeria’s film industry, stating, “The bundle of talents we have in Nigeria is awesome,” and expressed optimism for the future of Nollywood as it continues to evolve.