Last week was full of excitement for fans of Funke Akindele. The internet was full of excitement after IMDB updated her profile as a cast member of “Avengers: Infinity War”. She was listed as one of the Dora Milaje’s (Black Panther’s all female bodyguards). We had every reason to rejoice until they took down Funke’s name and stirred confusion and an online debate.
How the rumor started:
IMDB is one of the most trusted film sites in the world; movie reviews and new film projects are updated on the site everyday. One of those updates showed Funke Akindele in the cast list for “Avengers: Infinity War.” Someone saw the post and spread the word. Congratulatory messages were sent to the actress, she did not respond to any of them.
The Avengers franchise is a worldwide hit. The first two have a combined earning of more than 3 billion Dollars. Funke featuring in Infinity War will give her career a boost. Unfortunately, IMDB has removed Funke’s name from the cast list and replaced it with Genevieve Nnaji’s name.
Through the parade, Funke has not replied fan questions, so what is the deal here?
1. . Marvel trying to win across globes: “Avengers: Infinity War” features a very diverse cast. The film trailer broke records for featuring a whole lot of new and interesting faces. The Dora Milaje (Black Panther’s bodyguards) also form an important part of this film. Marvel, owned by Disney is known for inventing strategies for box-office hits. Many assume the update is a strategy to make big bucks from the Nigerian audience. A popular Nigerian name will bring the film good market on this side.
2. The Surprise Factor: Fans of Disney/Marvel know The Surprise Factor the company deploys in driving ticket sales. To sustain interest for Star Wars, LucasFilm, also owned by Disney had the cast signing a non-disclosure deal. Daisy Ridley and John Boyega couldn’t even take their script home. Maybe, just maybe, Funke had to sign a similar deal. The actress cut off her hair last year and the signature look of the Dora Milaje is the low cut. Funke hasn’t said a word or referenced the whole controversy. There is definitely more to the story.
3. A Tormented Fan tormenting all of us: IMDB allows movie fans correct and edit film posts. There is a strict process to this, however, there is a possibility that this is the work of a die-hard Funke fan. New updates show Genevieve Nnaji as replacement for Funke Akindele, this points back to our first theory and also proves this could be a fan war.
The Funke/Marvel/Avengers situation has spiked interest in “Infinity Wars” and should be a boost for Funke Akindele who is promoting the second season of her hit show “Industreet”.
The full outcome of this will be felt on the 25th of April, which marks the release date of “Avengers: Infinity Wars”. However, we will not mind a clarification before the date.
