By Aaior K. Comfort

British actor Idris Elba is set to take on the role of Okonkwo, the main character in Chinua Achebe’s classic novel Things Fall Apart, in a new TV series adaptation by the American entertainment company A24.

Elba, who is also producing the series, is renowned for his performances in films such as Thor, The Suicide Squad, Pacific Rim, and Beasts of No Nation. He has received significant acclaim for his roles in hit TV series like The Wire and Luther, and portrayed Nelson Mandela in the 2013 film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.

According to a report by Variety, the adaptation is still in its early stages, with no writer currently attached and no streaming service or network secured for the project yet. The official description of the series highlights Okonkwo as “one of literature’s most iconic characters—a fearless African warrior and leader determined to preserve his people and culture.” As British colonizers disrupt his world, Okonkwo’s struggle to maintain power and tradition leads to a poignant confrontation, embodying the tension between strength, vulnerability, and adaptability.

Elba will serve as executive producer alongside Gina Carter under their production banner, 22Summers. David Oyelowo and Amanda N’Duka will also executive produce through Yoruba Saxon, with additional executive producers Ben Forkner, Dayo Ogunyemi, and Achebe Masterworks joining the team.

Things Fall Apart has a history of adaptations, including a film in 1971 and a mini-series in 1987, featuring renowned Nigerian actor Pete Edochie as Okonkwo.