A TV series adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s "Things Fall Apart” is in development at A24 with English actor Idris Elba attached to star and executive produce.
The novel, written by the Nigerian novelist, poet and critic in 1978, is under the development of A24, an independent production and distribution company based in Manhattan, United States. The company gained recognition for releasing critically beloved films such as "Spring Breakers,” "The Bling Ring,” "The Spectacular Now,” "Ex Machina” and "Room.”
‘Things Fall Apart” is a story of Okonkwo (Elba), one of literature’s most iconic characters—a fearless African warrior and leader who is resolute about preserving his people and culture. As British colonizers disrupt his world, Okonkwo’s struggle to maintain power and tradition spirals into a heart-wrenching confrontation. His fierce resolve, a fatal flaw in the face of unstoppable change, makes him an unforgettable character, embodying the tension between strength, vulnerability and adaptability.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest novels ever written, it has been translated into over 60 languages and won awards like the Nigerian National Merit Award and the Man Booker International Prize. It is the first book of Achebe’s African Trilogy, followed by "No Longer at Ease” and "Arrow of God” and has previously been adapted as both a film and miniseries, with Pete Edochie starring as Okonkwo in the miniseries.
No writer is currently attached to the project, nor is it currently set up at a streaming service or network.
While many celebrate the actor’s involvement in this literary film, some are questioning whether he is can fully embody the essence of Okonkwo, a character whose struggles are intrinsically tied to the Igbo worldview and colonial-era Nigeria.
Nigerian fans are also mainly concerned that hearing Okonkwo speak with a British accent might detract from the story’s roots and some fear that an outsider to the culture, no matter how skilled, may not capture those subtleties.
Elba recently earned an Emmy nomination for his starring role in the Apple series "Hijack.” He was also nominated four times for his role in the British crime thriller series "Luther” as well as for best guest actor in a comedy for "The Big C.” His other TV credits include playing Stringer Bell in HBO’s "The Wire” and co-creating and starring in the show "Turn Up Charlie” and creating and starring in "In the Long Run.”
In film, Elba is known for his roles in "Beasts of No Nation,” "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” "The Harder They Fall,” James Gunn’s "Suicide Squad,” and for playing Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.