Idris Elba is set to star in the TV series adaptation of Chinua Achebe‘s “Things Fall Apart.”

 The series, which is in development at A24, will be executive produced by the actor, singer and rapper, according to Variety. 

Currently, no writer is attached to the project. Since it’s in the beginning stage, there are no streaming services or networks attached to it. 

Other Stars Set to Join the Production

Elba will jointly executive produce the series along with Gina Carter under their recently-launched 22 Summers Production banner. 

Additionally, David Oyelowo and Amanda Nduka will also executive produce via Yoruba Saxon. Also executive producers include Ben Forkner, Dayo Ogunyemi and Achebe Masterworks. A24 is the studio.

Idris Elba and David Oyelowo/ Getty images

The Plot for the ‘Things Fall Apart’ Series

“Things Fall Apart” is a story of an exceptional character, Okonkwo, a brave African fighter. Okonkwo stands up to preserve his people and culture. His bravery to fiercely fight cultural imperialism makes him a hero. 

The official description says, “It is the 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 struggles 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.”

About the Novel “Things Fall Apart” 

“Things Fall Apart” is the debut novel of Chinua Achebe. Achebe published the book in 1958.

People widely regard it as one of the greatest novels in Africa and beyond.

It has been translated into over 60 languages and won awards like the Nigerian National Merit Award and the Man Booker International Prize. “Things Fall Apart” is the first book of Achebe’s African Trilogy followed by “No Longer at Ease” and “Arrow of God.”

The novel was first adapted in a movie in 1987, depicting the events of pre-colonial life in Igboland, a cultural area in modern-day southeastern Nigeria. The story also captured how subsequent appearance of European missionaries and colonial forces in the late 19th century affected Africans. 

Front page of Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”/ Google

Who is Idris Elba?

Idris Akuna Elba OBE is a British-Sierra Leonean actor, singer and DJ.

Because of his exceptionality, Elba recently earned an Emmy nomination for his starring role in the Apple series “Hijack.” He received four nominations for his role in the British crime thriller series “Luther” as well as best guest actor in a comedy for “The Big C”. The entertainer’s 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 popular for his role in “Beasts of No Nation,” and “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”.  “The Harder They Fall,” James Gunn’s “Suicide Squad,” are also movies of Elba. He also played Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.