Why Idris Elba’s “Things Fall Apart” Adaptation Is the Moment We’ve Been Waiting For

If you grew up anywhere near Africa, “Things Fall Apart” wasn’t just assigned reading — it was a cultural touchstone. Chinua Achebe’s tale of Okonkwo, a proud leader wrestling with colonialism’s upheaval, shaped generations. Now, with Idris Elba stepping into Okonkwo’s shoes, we’re about to witness a seismic shift in how the world sees African stories.

As an African writer myself, I’m practically giddy. Elba, backed by David Oyelowo and A24, brings the star power this iconic story deserves. Achebe’s masterpiece, translated into over 60 languages, will finally reach those who might never crack open the book. And that’s the magic of adaptations.

From “To Kill a Mockingbird” to “Little Women,” books have always been Hollywood’s bedrock. They immortalize themes and spark fresh interpretations. But for African literature, this is more than a trend; it’s essential.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Half of a Yellow Sun” brought the Biafran War’s horrors to the screen. “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” and “Beasts of No Nation” proved that African stories can conquer the globe. Now, Elba’s “Things Fall Apart” joins this legacy.

Adaptations give our narratives global visibility, preserving them and letting them transcend time. Achebe’s novel wasn’t just about colonialism; it was about identity, power, and fighting for yourself in a changing world. These are stories we desperately need now.

But here’s the real question: have you read my book? As an African novelist walking in Achebe’s footsteps, I dream of my stories on screen, too. Wouldn’t you love to see “Yefon” come alive? I know I would!