Nigerians are furious at Idris Elba’s casting as ‘Okonkwo’ in the adaptation of ‘Things Fall Apart’.

The decision to cast British actor Idris Elba as Okonkwo in the upcoming television adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s beloved novel “Things Fall Apart” has angered Nigerians.

Although the project, which is being produced by Amanda N’Duka and David Oyelowo under the A24 studio banner, is much awaited, many critics contend that local performers like Stan Nze and Uzor Arukwe, among others, ought to have been chosen for the famous part. The anger has been stoked by worries over authenticity and cultural representation; many Nigerians believe that a foreign actor would find it difficult to authentically represent the character’s language and heritage.

The topic about representation in films has been rekindled by the controversy around Elba’s casting. Critics warn out that using non-Nigerian actors in such important parts runs the risk of erasing the story’s cultural core. Many have questioned Elba’s ability to mimic a real African accent, citing his past performances as evidence. They also doubt his aptitude for portraying the depth of Okonkwo, who was first portrayed by Nigerian great Pete Edochie in the 1987 adaption. Reactions to the project have been divided, with some applauding its star power and others believing it diminishes the calibre of Nigerian talent.

Critics contend that in order to honour Achebe’s legacy, local actors should take the lead in developing versions that accurately depict the subtleties of Nigerian society.