Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira, who obtained the rights for the adaptation of the novel, Americanah, recently got a straight-to-series order at HBO Max. The limited series will cover 10 episodes in total.
Lupita is set to take the leading role in the series with Danai writing the plot and serving as the showrunner.
PLOT
The novel, “Americanah“, was authored by popular Nigerian writer and feminist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in 2013. The story revolves around a young and beautiful Nigerian woman named Ifemelu (Nyong’o).
She falls in love with her classmate, Obinze in her teenage years. Under a military rule, they decide to embark on a journey to the States. But, Ifemelu is faced with immigration difficulties and racism in America. Also, her lover, Obinze, is met with immigration issues as well and ends up settling in London with no papers.
Lined up for the production of the series are Eba Productions, Plan B Entertainment, Andrea Calderwood of Potboiler Television, Didi Rea and Danielle Del of D2 Productions. Also, Lupita, Danai and Nancy Won are the executive producers for Americanah.
Americanah’ has been a passion project for me since I read Chimamanda’s beautiful novel in 2013,” Nyong’o said. “It’s a tale that is simultaneously timely and timeless. HBO Max is the perfect partner to bring this profound and celebrated story to life, and I’m thrilled that Danai will bring to the project her intelligence, wit, and understanding of the stories and the worlds of ‘Americanah.’”
Although, before the decision to adapt Americanah to a series was sealed, Lupita had earlier planned to adapt the novel into a film alongside David Oyelowo. However, adjustments had to be made into making it into a series instead as at last year.
Danai Gurira praised the Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie for throwing the spotlight on the African Female.
“Through ‘Americanah,’ Chimamanda brought the African female voice into mainstream consciousness in an unprecedented way,” Gurira said. “It is intellectually incisive, indicting, yet full of humor, and riddled with humanity. She makes unheard voices familiar, universal and yet palpably specific.
The Black Panther star also expressed her enthusiasm in bringing Americanah live on screen and her collaboration with Lupita Nyong’o.
“I am honored to bring her incredible novel to life on the screen. I’m thrilled to collaborate once again with Lupita who brings her astounding ability as a performer and producer shepherding this project, along with HBO MAX’s unbridled enthusiasm to bring this groundbreaking narrative to the TV audience.”
Sarah Aubrey, Head of Original content for HBO Max also remarked on the amazing elements of Americanah and it’s popularity among fans.
Americanah has sparked a cultural phenomenon and is revered by fans around the world,” said Sarah Aubrey. “It has affected me deeply as one of the most moving, socially relevant and romantic stories of our time. With exceptional talent like Lupita and Danai in front of and behind the camera, this series will give viewers a uniquely heartfelt and unforgettable experience.”
CONCLUSION
Both Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira starred in the famous all-black cast movie, Black Panther. Apart from Black Panther, Lupita has appeared in great films such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Us, Little Monsters, amongst others.
She also recently graced the cover of Vanity Fair. Her latest book, Sulwe, is set to hit the market next month.
Danai on the other hand is currently starring in the AMC series, Walking Dead. Gurira was also nominated for a Tony Award for her role as the writer of the Broadway Show, “Eclipsed“.
Now that both actresses would be reuniting for the Americanah, we anticipate an amazing series with a message of positive impact. It’s literally “Black Girl Magic in full effect” and we love it!!!