Veteran Nollywood actor, Bob-Manuel Udokwu, has shared his thoughts on the casting of British actor Idris Elba as Okonkwo in the forthcoming adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s classic novel ‘Things Fall Apart’.
Bob-Manuel Udokwu engaged in a lively discussion about the current state of Nollywood and the importance of collaboration in the film industry.
When asked for his opinion on the missing piece in Nigeria’s film sector, Udokwu responded, “Collaboration. I said this years ago that Nollywood has come of age; now we don’t have to do much to prove to the world that we have world-class talent here.”
Weighing in on the discourse revolving around Idris Elba being cast as Okonkwo, the actor stressed that even though he has regard for the British actor, talented Nigerian actors could have been given the role.
“There’s this conversation about Idris Elba being cast as Okonkwo in the Hollywood make of ‘Things Fall Apart’ and I don’t have anything against that as an actor but I think that we have people who are top-class actors in Nigeria who can play that role better knowing where that story is coming from but that’s another story for another day.”
Bob-Manuel Udokwu
Udokwu emphasized the need for collaboration across the film industries, highlighting that it is already beginning to take shape.
“What Nollywood needs now is collaboration and it’s beginning to happen. I happen to be part of another production that involves two major actors in India and another Hollywood-based actress. We need to have more collaborations with our counterparts in Europe and North America and it’s happening gradually.”
Bob-Manuel Udokwu
He added that the bundle of talents Nigerians have is awesome.
The veteran actor, however, mentioned that the ongoing collaboration between Nollywood and other movie industries is a positive development.
He disclosed that he is currently working on a movie that features actors from Bollywood and Hollywood.
‘Things Fall Apart’ is the first in Achebe’s celebrated African Trilogy, followed by ‘No Longer at Ease’ and ‘Arrow of God’. Previous adaptations have included a film and a miniseries, the latter starring Pete Edochie as Okonkwo.
Bob-Manuel Reacts to People Calling Him Their ‘Crush’
The veteran Nollywood actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu expressed his gratitude and humility after being affectionately dubbed a “crush” by his fans over the years.
The iconic actor discussed his acting career, his subsequent journey into politics, and even his relationship with his fans.
Reflecting on the title given to him by fans, Udokwu stated, “I see those who called me their crush as satisfied customers. Your fanbase, as huge as it gets is because they are satisfied with what they’re doing, and I’m not surprised.”
Udokwu recounted his university days at the University of Port Harcourt, where he was a prominent figure on campus because of his talents.
“Back in the days when I was in the University of Port Harcourt, everybody from the vice chancellor to the security at the gate knew me because I was very active. Thank God for providing me the platform in Checkmate to be able to let the world see the talents he has given me.”
Bob-Manuel Udokwu
Expressing his gratitude, the actor added that at some point in his career, he became an anchor of Gulder Ultimate Search.
The Gulder Ultimate Search is the first, biggest, and best reality television in Nigeria, adding that he now has the record of being the longest anchorperson. “So when people express their satisfaction or admiration of my work as an actor, I feel humbled happy, and thankful to God for the opportunity,” Bob-Manuel Udokwu said.
READ ALSO: Detention of Anti-Galamsey Protestor Sparks Outrage, NCAIM Demands Release
