The global health crisis has claimed another major production – and this time it’s Lupita Nyong’o‘s ‘Americanah.’

Full story below…

Variety has confirmed that that the eagerly anticipated TV adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s mega-selling novel has been scrapped.

A well-documented passion project of Nyogo’s, she snagged the rights to bring the story to the screen back in 2014 and she was also set to star in the lead role of Ifemelu.

Once housed at HBO Max, her ‘Black Panther’ co-star Danai Gurira was on-board as writer and show-runner.

Per today’s report, production was first delayed due to the global health crisis. Yet, things ground to a more permanent halt when conflicts with another project Nyong’o is starring in meant she had to drop out.

Set to play out over 10 episodes, ‘Americanah’ was given a straight-to-series order on the new streamer.

It was also set to star Zackary Momoh as male lead Obinze, as well as Uzo Aduba as Aunty Uju.

‘Americanh’ tells the love story of Ifemelu and Obinze and is a multi-layered coming of age tale; one which explores the intricacies of life in Nigeria, emigration to the US, culture clash, and more in the most universal and enchanting manner.

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As huge fans of the book, this is crushing news. Both the story and the characters that power it are so potent. In many ways, a screen adaptation is perfect for the current climate; one that has a heightened curiosity about Africa at large and one that ought to see narratives and perspectives from the continent up close.

Nonetheless, it’s our hope that ‘Americnah’ can be revived when the time and circumstances align. It’s believed that Lupita still retains the rights. Hence, it’s not far fetched that we could still see this epic tale told on TV, the big screen, or via another innovative medium. It deserves to be brought the masses. 

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