Film & TV
Idris Elba Plans A Move To Africa To “Bolster” Their Film Industry
Idris Elba made a major announcement that could very well shift the Global narrative lens to Africa. The British star is planning an intercontinental move!
Known for his commanding presence on screens worldwide, from the gritty streets of Baltimore in “The Wire” to the crime-ridden alleys of London in “Luther,” Elba is now turning his sights to a much grander stage – the entire African continent.
“Much of the imagery about Africa isn’t even generated from Africa,” Elba stated at the Stellar Development Foundation’s Meridian conference earlier this month. This simple yet profound observation underscores his mission to transform the film industry in Africa, aiming to give the continent’s young, dynamic population a platform to tell their own stories.
Elba’s initiative is not just about building studios; it’s about building an ecosystem where African narratives can thrive globally. He’s not just talking the talk; he’s walking the walk, literally, by planning to relocate to Africa within the next decade. “I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider—it’s going to happen,” he affirmed to the BBC, showcasing his commitment to being on the ground, fostering this new era of African cinema.
The actor’s vision includes the establishment of film studios in Zanzibar, where the government has pledged nearly 200 acres for development. This move, Elba believes, could be “the first building block of a global entertainment hub.” His ambition doesn’t stop at construction; he’s tackling the financial backbone of the creative industry, too. By partnering with Stellar, a blockchain-based platform, Elba is introducing the Akuna Wallet, designed to streamline payments for local creatives, especially in economies with limited banking infrastructures. “It’s all been a puzzle,” Elba admits, referring to the logistical challenges, but he remains optimistic: “It will grow, and it can grow.”
Elba’s deep roots in Africa, with his mother hailing from Ghana and his father from Sierra Leone, lend authenticity and passion to his endeavor. “If you watch any film or anything that has got to do with Africa, all you’re going to see is trauma, how we were slaves, how we were colonized, how it’s just war, and when you come to Africa, you will realize that it’s not true,” he passionately explained. This sentiment is not just about correcting a narrative but about enriching global cinema with stories of resilience, culture, beauty, and innovation.
His involvement extends beyond infrastructure. Elba is set to star and executive produce a television adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s classic “Things Fall Apart,” signaling his intent to not only support but actively participate in the storytelling from the continent. This project alone underscores his belief in the power of African literature and its potential for adaptation into visual media, which could inspire a renaissance of African storytelling.
However, this grand vision comes with its challenges. The African film industry, while burgeoning, faces hurdles like inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, and a need for more local cinema spaces. Yet, Elba sees these not as barriers but as “opportunities in the waiting.” His strategy involves not just building but also fostering education, partnerships, and economic models that support sustainable growth in the creative sector.
As Idris Elba strides into this new chapter, his actions speak louder than his words. His commitment to Africa’s cinematic future isn’t just about adding another successful venture to his résumé; it’s about igniting a cultural revolution that could see African stories told by Africans, influencing global audiences in ways we can only begin to imagine. Here’s to hoping that Elba’s vision will indeed turn into reality, proving once again that the universe isn’t just full of stars but also of dreamers who dare to make those stars align.
Hulu’s gripping political thriller Paradise has officially been renewed for Season 2, an exciting new for the fans of the Sterling K. Brown-led series. With its mix of high-stakes drama, unexpected twists, and a stellar cast, the show has quickly become a standout hit for the streaming platform. The news came on February 20, 2025, just ahead of the Season 1 finale. Here’s everything you need to know about Paradise Season 2, including what’s next for the series, its performance so far, and how you can catch up.
Why Did ‘Paradise’ Get Renewed For Season 2
Since its debut on January 26, 2025, Paradise has become a fan favorite with its intricate storytelling and genre-blending narrative. Created by Dan Fogelman—known for the emotional powerhouse This Is Us—the series follows Secret Service agent Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) as he unravels a web of secrets following the mysterious death of President Cal Bradford (James Marsden). What started as a political thriller quickly became a dystopian territory, revealing a world of underground cities and hidden truths.
The renewal comes as no surprise, given the show’s impressive performance. Paradise launched with 7 million global views in its first week across Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally, outpacing even The Bear Season 3’s debut numbers. Its consistent presence on Hulu’s Top 15 list and critical acclaim have cemented its status as one of 2025’s must-watch shows. With Season 1 still unfolding—new episodes drop every Tuesday, culminating in the finale on March 4, 2025—Hulu’s early renewal reflects strong faith in the series’ staying power.
What to Expect in the upcoming season
While specific plot details for Season 2 remain under wraps, Fogelman has hinted at a grand vision for the series. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he revealed that he has a three-season arc planned, with Season 1 designed to answer key questions while setting the stage for bigger mysteries. The Season 1 finale promises to resolve the question of “who killed the president,” which launches a fresh journey for Xavier and the residents of the titular underground city.
The latest episode (Episode 6, “You Asked for Miracles,” released February 18, 2025) dropped a bombshell: Xavier’s wife, Teri, presumed dead in the surface cataclysm, might still be alive. This revelation, coupled with Xavier’s rebellion against the controlling Samantha “Sinatra” Redmond (Julianne Nicholson), sets up a Season 2 filled with personal stakes and societal upheaval. Will Xavier uncover the whole truth about Paradise’s elite? Could the habitable surface, a secret kept from the citizens, play a larger role? We shall see.
The ensemble cast—including Sarah Shahi as Dr. Gabriela Torabi and Nicole Brydon Bloom as the enigmatic Jane Driscoll—will likely return, with potential new faces joining to expand the story. Fogelman has teased “big moves ahead,” suggesting a pivot that keeps the narrative fresh yet “follow-able” for viewers.
How to Watch ‘Paradise’ Season 1—and Season 2 Prep
Now’s the perfect time if you haven’t jumped into Paradise yet. Season 1 is currently streaming on Hulu in the U.S., with new episodes airing Tuesdays at midnight ET. Internationally, Disney+ subscribers can follow along, making it a global phenomenon. ABC will air the entire first season starting April 7, 2025, at 10:00 PM ET/PT for those without Hulu, a rare move that broadens the show’s reach.
When Will Season 2 Premiere?
No official release date for Season 2 has been announced, but fans might expect it in early 2026 based on typical production timelines. Season 1’s rapid renewal suggests Hulu is eager to keep the series rolling, and Fogelman’s clear roadmap could streamline the process. Stay tuned for updates as production ramps up post-finale.
Will Smith hinted at the long-awaited sequel to his 2008 superhero film, “Hancock,” and expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Zendaya during his recent appearance on xQc’s live stream on Twitch.
Fans and industry insiders have discussed the prospect of a sequel for years. The original film grossed over $624 million worldwide—the fourth highest-grossing film that year. Now, it seems that the project may finally come to fruition.
“There’s a really cool Hancock 2 idea,” Smith said during the stream. “We haven’t even talked about it.”
Smith added, “I’m going to give you one little piece. Zendaya [is] being approached for a role in Hancock 2.”
The original film, helmed by Peter Berg, follows Hancock (Smith), a scruffy superhero who protects the citizens of Los Angeles while leaving horrendous collateral damage in the wake of every well-intentioned feat. The movie also starred Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman, and Eddie Marsan.
In 2012, Berg told Comicbookmovie there was an ongoing conversation about the sequel, but the schedules needed to align.
“We’ve been talking about the sequel between us, Will Smith, [producers] Michael Mann and Akiva Goldman, and myself. We’re all interested, but we literally just have trouble getting into the same room at the same time,” the director explained. “We did have a series of meetings last year and started to hash out an idea for sequel — and Will Smith actually had the idea — so I think it will happen, it’s just a question of timing.”
Stay tuned for more updates!
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