In the intricate world of filmmaking, titles often hold the essence of a project, containing its spirit and purpose. For Kunle Afolayan, the acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker, the journey from the initial concept to the Netflix sensation “Anikulapo” was an unexpected evolution.
The roots of this unconventional journey trace back to a gathering nine years ago at Afolayan’s home in the heart of Ibadan. A cadre of creatives and scholars, including writer Tunde Babalola and Professor Tunji Azeez, congregated for a brainstorming session centered around a series titled “ODU.” This envisioned epic saga set in the Oyo Empire, comparable to the scale of Game of Thrones, held promise but faced a timing misalignment.
Afolayan reflected on Instagram, “The gestation period, the patience, and the wait were all integral elements of a process that birthed something extraordinary.” The film, initially titled “ODU,” eventually transformed into the Netflix hit “Anikulapo,” with the sequel, “Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre,” set to premiere on March 1, 2024.
The series boasts a talented cast, including Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, Adebayo Salami, and others. Afolayan, the director, shared that the sequel was exclusively shot at the Kunle Afolayan Production (KAP) Film Village in Oyo, involving a massive cast and crew of 600 people.
Upon its debut in March, “Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre” will be available to audiences in 190 countries on Netflix.
View this post on Instagram
