Idris Elba Joins Forces with A24 and David Oyelowo for ‘Things Fall Apart’ Series

A24 is developing a TV series adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart,” with Idris Elba set to star and executive produce. The production will be under 22Summers production, with David Oyelowo and Amanda N’Duka executive producing through Yoruba Saxon. Ben Forkner, Dayo Ogunyemi, and Achebe Masterworks are executive producers.

Previously adapted as both a film and miniseries (starring Pete Edochie), it has been translated into over 60 languages, considering it one of the greatest novels ever written.

As per Variety, “Things Fall Apart” tells the story of Okonkwo, an iconic African warrior who fights against British colonizers to preserve his people and culture. According to its official description, “Things Fall Apart” follows 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’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.”

Oyelowo and Yoruba Saxon are producers of Paramount+ series “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” and Apple TV+ series “Government Cheese.” They have produced features like “The After,” “The Water Man,” “A United Kingdom,” and “Ferguson Rising.”Elba, on the other hand, received an Emmy nomination for his role in the Apple series “Hijack” and has been nominated multiple times for his work in “Luther” and “The Big C.” His TV credits include “The Wire,” “Turn Up Charlie,” and “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,” “Suicide Squad,” and as Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.