Netflix recently unveiled a lineup of Nigerian shows coming to the streaming platform, amongst them are spin-off series to critically acclaimed films: Aníkúlápó and Òlòtūré. Given that both movies’ endings felt like the perfect conclusion to their stories, their return to our screens is unexpected, and so far has sparked mixed reactions in many fans.
On the one hand, there’s genuine excitement as we anticipate extended explorations of our favourite characters. On the other hand, doubts linger about the quality of the storyline. We’re all too familiar with directors capitalising on a film’s success and creating unnecessary sequels or prequels that fail to capture the original’s magic. Afolayan and Kenneth Gyang, however, are no ordinary directors, so we eagerly anticipate the magic these directors have been cooking.
Aníkúlápó and Òlòtūré might be receiving the majority of attention; we are however excited about the other Nigerian series. Kemi Adetiba, and Editi Effiong, amongst other renowned directors, have projects in the pipeline. Although trailers for these series are yet to be released, we pondered on the potential narrative these shows might take based on our familiarity with the directors’ previous works. Here’s our projection of the possible plotlines that this series could explore.
Aníkúlápó
Also directed by Kunle Afolayan, Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre is a four-part series set to be a continuation of the movie Aníkúlápó. Though the plot is yet to be confirmed, fans can expect the original cast from the film to reprise their roles. Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, Taiwo Hassan, and Sola Sobowale have been sighted in the production pictures with some new additions, including Gabriel Afolayan and skit maker Layi Wasabi.
Initially, fans theorized that the show might follow a direction similar to Afolyan’s Figurine, where the story continues decades into the future in a modern setting. This theory speculates that Akala places a curse on Saro’s lineage. But with the old cast making a reprise and no modern setting in behind-the-scenes pictures, the possibility of this theory or a future lineage is unlikely. A more probable direction is that Saro survives and tries to get even with his Arolake.
The Black Book
Each time Richard Mofe Damijo graces our screens, we know a stellar performance is underway. In Hush, he effortlessly transitioned from a sugar daddy fashion designer in the day to a scheming cult head at night. In The Black Book, fans will meet another side to RMD as he plays a bereaved father seeking justice after a policeman kills his son. Off the bat, the synopsis echoes real-life events surrounding the activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigerian Police Force. Could this be a commentary on the EndSARS movement? At this moment, we’re uncertain of where director Editi Effiong is taking us. However, the series will likely delve into controversial subjects concerning the law and justice system, sprinkled with action, intrigue, and political drama. In his quest, RMD’s character might uncover a larger secret that endangers his life and the lives of his living family members.
Òlòtūré
Ebony Life and Netflix have again joined forces, reviving Òlòtūré. Building upon the success of the Òlòtūré film, the exhilarating movie is returning to Netflix, this time as a series. Mo Abudu has taken to Instagram to let us know that the story picks up where we left off, with Òlòtūré, a young journalist, resuming her undercover work by crossing the Benin border. Her daring journey unfolds as she navigates difficult terrain, from the unfriendly territories of Niger and Libya to the shores of the Mediterranean, all in a desperate bid to escape.
Director Kenneth Gyang returns to steer the ship, with the original cast of Sharon Ooja, Omoni Oboli, Beverly Osu, Ikechukwu Onunaku, and Stan Nze trailing behind.
Ijogbon
Another Kunle Afolayan project is on the trail. Ijogbon is a coming-of-age drama that revolves around how the lives of four teenagers change when they find diamonds in a pouch. The cast selection for this one has a lot of new faces, and for a Nollywood coming-of-age film, it’s commendable that Afolayan used young-looking actors, one of which is Fawaz Aina, a member of The Ikorodu Boyz. Other notable actors include Ruby Akubueze, Kayode Ojuolape, Oluwaseyi Ebiesuwa, Yemi Solade, Gabriel Afolayan, and Bimbo Manuel.
Since Ijogbon‘s main protagonists are teenagers, the series might carry a slightly comical tone; not necessarily comedy but humour could be used to lighten serious moments or a touch of quirkiness thrown in for laughs. As for the plotline, discovering diamonds in a small village implies the presence of a central figure of power – perhaps a politician or an influential individual. We might see Afolayan delve into themes of power dynamics between different social classes and corruption. One of the teenagers might even be related to this prominent figure, explaining their link to the diamonds. Also, because this is a teen movie, the likelihood of a love triangle is relatively high.
To Kill A Monkey
After the tremendous success of her acclaimed action movie King of Boys 2, award-winning filmmaker Kemi Adetiba is set to bring another complex thriller series to our screens. Little is known about To Kill A Monkey; no synopsis or cast reveal, but it’s likely that the series is Adetiba’s spin on the fictional folklore theme that we’re seeing from many directors. The picture teaser on Netflix Naija’s official Instagram page featuring someone in a masquerade mask as well as the production set pictures seen on Adetiba’s Instagram, hints at a possible storyline that delves into folklore, witchcraft, and related themes.
Blood Vessel
Director Charles Okpaleke is introducing us to a cast of new actors in his latest production, Blood Vessel. The series follows the journey of six friends attempting to escape Delta State by becoming stowaways on a ship headed for South America.
Based on the teased picture, we might witness a romantic storyline. Lovers eloping, maybe?
The central plot might revolve around these young adults from a small town who find themselves entangled with a local gang, leading to a dangerous situation that forces them to flee for their safety. As the story unfolds, we’ll likely witness the group navigate their escape, maintain friendship bonds, and pursue their dreams.
When filmmakers explore stories within large friendship circles, it often creates room for thought-provoking storylines with complex characters that challenge our moral perspective. We might be getting this or witness a painful betrayal from the least expected character. Blood Vessel might be the anti-hero series where we find ourselves rooting for the apparent villain but whatever direction Okpaleke takes, we eagerly anticipate the series and the new performances we’ll witness.
War: Wrath & Revenge
Another EbonyLife and Netflix collaboration brings us WAR, the spin-off to Mo Abudu’s hit series The Sons of the Caliphate.
The Sons of the Caliphate introduced us to Binta Kutugi, a scorned woman seeking vengeance against three powerful Hausa elites, Dikko Loko, Khalifa Maiyaki, and Nuhu Bala for her sister’s death, whom they had murdered in a hit-and-run. The plot unraveled into a messy political drama with power struggles and betrayals at the center. Then, Binta finds love and forfeits her revenge plans, bringing the story to a sweet-sour conclusion.
WAR picks up the narrative following Nuhu Bala’s ascent to the governorship of Kowa, a scheme masterminded by his dubious wife, Binta, who is willing to go to extreme lengths for her husband’s success. However, things turn sour when Binta discovers Nuhu’s intention to take a second wife. Her fury is reawakened, and the scorned woman we met in season 1 of The Sons of The Caliphate is reignited, now a force to be reckoned with, fiercely guarding her love.
The Sons of the Caliphate depicted manipulation and corruption within the political system. WAR is poised to delve even deeper into these themes now that Nuhu holds a position of power. Anticipate riveting power struggles, simmering envy, and the reopening of old wounds. In the director seat is Dumbo Atiya, overseeing returning talents Rahama Sadau, Mofe Duncan, Yakubu Mohammed, and Patrick Doyle, as well as fresh faces, including Ayoola Ayolola, Ifeanyi Kali, Theresa Edem, and Bikiya Graham Douglas.