Recently, veteran Nollywood actor Bob Manuel Udokwu shared his mind about the casting of British actor Idris Elba as “Okonkwo” for the Hollywood adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart. Udokwu says that though he respects Elba as a good actor, Nigerian actors who share in the deep culture represented in Achebe’s story would be more appropriate for the role.
Udokwu added that Nollywood has been proved to the world, and what is expected is collaboration with other film industries.
He noted how much partnership Nollywood has increasingly built with many film industries globally, adding that already a shape of collaboration is taking form. Citing his involvement in a production crew with actors from India and Hollywood, Udokwu urged more opportunities for Nigerian talents in global film projects.
Udokwu’s message is that as much as the industry embraces its international stars, it is equally important to give its homegrown actors leading roles that are culturally significant.
