Idris Elba Set To Play “Okonkwo” In Chinua Achebe’s TV Series Adaptation

British-Sierra Leonean actor Idris Elba has teased that he would be playing the character of “Okonkwo” in his upcoming TV series adaptation of the late Chinua Achebe’s book “Things Fall Apart.”

Legendary actor Pete Edochie played the character in the Nigerian film production of the book and was hailed by the writer Chinua Achebe.

Elba’s revelation raised eyebrows, especially among Nigerians, but the award-winning actor said he is interested in bolstering the African film industry.

The 52-year-old was born by a Sierra Leonean father and Ghanaian mother and has spent most of his time in the British film industry.

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Elba says he is now more focused on telling African stories from an African narrative instead of the Western narrative.

“If you watch any film or anything that has got to do with Africa, all you’re going to see is trauma, how we were slaves, how we were colonised, how it’s just war, and when you come to Africa, you will realise that it’s not true,” Elba said.

“So, it’s really important that we own those stories of our tradition, of our culture, of our languages, of the differences between one language and another. The world doesn’t know that.”

He also plans to relocate to Africa to achieve the goal of boosting the African film industry.

“I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider, it’s going to happen,” the “Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom” actor said.

“I think I’ll move in the next five, 10 years, God willing.

“I’m here to bolster the film industry—that is a 10-year process—and I won’t be able to do that from overseas.

“I need to be in-country, on the continent.

“I’m here to bolster the film industry—that is a 10-year process. I won’t be able to do that from overseas. I need to be in-country, on the continent.

“I’m going to live in Accra; I’m going to live in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital; I’m going to live in Zanzibar.

“I’m going to try and go where they’re telling stories – that’s really important.”

The British actor has been engaging stakeholders in the African film industry as part of moves to improve the industry.