Idris Elba Attached to Star in Things Fall Apart Television Show From A24

Idris Elba is attached to star in a television adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, which is being developed by A24.

Things Fall Apart was published in 1958. The widely-beloved novel tells the story of Okonkwo, the leader of a group of people living in Nigeria during the 19th century who then have to deal with European missionaries and colonial forces coming into their world.

Per Variety, Elba has signed on to play Okonkwo in the series. He will also serve as an executive producer.

What else do we know about the Things Fall Apart A24 series with Idris Elba?

The series tells 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,” per the official description. “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.”

Elba executive producers alongside Gina Carter under their 22Summers production banner. David Oyelowo and Amanda N’Duka will also executive produce via Yoruba Saxon, while Ben Forkner, Dayo Ogunyemi, and Achebe Masterworks additionally serve as executive producers.

No writer is currently attached to the project, which is also not yet attached to a streaming service or network at this time.

Elba is known for playing Russell “Stringer” Bell in The Wire, Charles Miner in The Office, Heimdall in the MCU, and more. He voices Knuckles the Echidna in the Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise, which will put out its third movie, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, this coming December. He’ll also soon be seen in Ilya Naishuller’s Heads of State, which also stars John Cena, Paddy Considine, Stephen Root, Carla Gugino, and Jack Quaid.

Brandon Schreur

Brandon Schreur has been writing about comics, movies, television shows, and all things pop culture for roughly five years. He's a lifelong cinephile who spends way, way too much money buying Blu-rays and trade paperbacks. You can find him on twitter at @brandonschreur.