Nollywood’s handover from the theater kids to the popular kids, and its effects on the industry

Let’s rewind a bit. There was a time when Nollywood was owned by the theatre kids. You know, the trained actors, thespians with dramatic range, Shakespearean energy, and enough stage presence to light up a whole village square. These were the RMDs, Joké Silva, Pete Edochie, Liz Benson, Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade, and Jim Iyke types; actors who gave everything, even in low-budget productions with one mic and five locations.

Fast-forward to today, and it feels like Nollywood’s front row has been handed over to the popular kids. These are the influencers, ex-BBN housemates, Instagram comedians, and celebs who have massive followings but not necessarily acting chops. It’s giving clout first, talent second. And while this shift has brought both buzz and bank to the industry, let’s talk about what it really means.

On the plus side? More visibility. The popular crowd brings huge followings, brand deals, and international interest. People who weren’t checking for Nigerian films before are now tuning in because their faves are in them. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video are taking Nollywood seriously. Red carpets are glitzier, premieres are more Instagrammable, and suddenly, acting looks like the new influencer career path.

But here’s the plot twist: the craft is suffering. With more focus on aesthetics than ability, some performances feel… flat. Emotional scenes don’t hit, dialogues feel forced, and the storytelling gets diluted. OG actors are now sidelined or typecast as “the village chief” while newer stars fumble roles that require range and depth.

It’s not all doom though. Some popular kids are putting in the work—taking acting classes, respecting the craft, and collaborating with seasoned directors. And when theatre kids and popular kids work together? Magic happens. We see that magic in movies like: Anikulapo, Shanty Town, Gangs of Lagos.

Over recent years, a wave of Nigerian filmmakers and actors have taken aim at the global stage, and they’re hitting bullseye. Here’s a celebration of those trailblazers who’ve turned Nollywood into a global cultural export:

Akinola Davies Jr. and Wale Davies made history as “My Father’s Shadow” became the first-ever Nigerian feature selected for Cannes’ official Un Certain Regard section. This powerful, personal drama, set in 1993 Lagos, sparked major attention, earning global distribution from Mubi and marking the debut of Nigeria’s national pavilion at Cannes. It’s a massive flex and a sign that deeply local stories can resonate universally.

“The Black Book”, directed by Editi Effiong, didn’t just top Netflix’s Nigerian charts, it landed in the global top 10 in over 69 countries. Backed like a legit startup, with a $1M budget and smart tech-industry fundraising, its success proves that Nollywood can deliver high-stakes storytelling that appeals to a worldwide audience.

“Gangs of Lagos,” Amazon Prime’s first Nigerian original, introduced the country’s gritty underbelly to international viewers. With actors like Tobi Bakre and Adesua Etomi bringing raw, humanized performances, the series deepened global appreciation for Lagos-set narratives.

Nigerian cinema is now on Netflix Originals, with flagship films like Lionheart and Blood Sister: Redemption opening doors and breaking boundaries. Meanwhile, bold indie works like Mami Wata earned the jury prize at Sundance, evidence that Nollywood isn’t just booming, it’s refining its voice on the world stage. Actresses like Osas Ighodaro are bridging Nollywood and Hollywood, starring alongside Macy Gray and working on international co-productions like 3 Cold Dishes. Meanwhile, global icons like Genevieve Nnaji (Netflix’s Lionheart), Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Stephanie Okereke-Linus, David Oyelowo, and John Boyega continue to elevate Nigerian talent in the diaspora.

This momentum isn’t accidental; it’s strategy meeting talent. Mo Abudu’s EbonyLifeTV, strategic PR efforts, and expanded festival presence are shaping how Nollywood is seen, and curated, abroad. Nollywood’s reach is real. From Cannes to Netflix fandom, from Lagos streets to global streaming, these filmmakers and actors are writing a new chapter—one of pride, craft, and genuinely universal storytelling.

Ways that Nollywood can level up

Nollywood, we love you. You raised us on drama, taught us about betrayal, juju, and village witches. You gave us unforgettable memes, iconic one-liners, and characters that still live rent-free in our minds. And now that you’re grown, streaming on Netflix, trending on TikTok, and walking red carpets, you gotta step up the game.

Here are some ways you can glow up even harder:

1. Invest in the Writing

Let’s start with the script. Dialogue can’t always be “I will deal with you!” and “You don’t know who you’re messing with.” We need stories with depth, unpredictability, and character development. Bring in young writers, collaborate with authors, and stop recycling the same 3 plots. You’ve got a massive culture bank, use it.

2. Fix the Sound, Please

We’re begging, can we hear the actors clearly without background generator hums or random music overpowering the scene? Invest in better audio production. The visuals are leveling up, but if we still need subtitles to understand English dialogue, something’s wrong.

3. Train the Talent

Yes, clout sells, but good acting keeps people coming back. Not everyone with followers is ready for lead roles. Give space to trained actors, and offer acting workshops for the popular faces. Let the theatre kids teach the new wave how it’s done.

4. Explore New Genres

Why is every film either a romantic tragedy, village drama, or crime thriller? Where’s our horror? Sci-fi? Black comedy? Historical epics? Naija has the stories, let’s diversify the vibe and stop playing it safe.

5. Build Stronger Cinematic Worlds

Take a cue from the Koreans and Marvel, worldbuilding matters. Don’t just tell a story, create a universe. Let characters overlap, let stories connect. Make us care beyond one movie. Nollywood has heart, history, and hustle. The world is finally watching, let’s give them something they’ve never seen before. Because when Nollywood wins, the whole culture eats. Nollywood is evolving, not dying. But for the industry to truly glow up, it needs balance. Star power is cute, but skill is what keeps people watching. At the end of the day, we want to be entertained and emotionally moved. So dear Nollywood, let the popular kids sit at the table—but don’t kick the theatre kids out. They built the stage in the first place.