Manny Ita –
Renowned Nollywood filmmaker and actor Femi Adebayo has officially announced the commencement of his next historical cinematic project, King Kosoko, set for a 2026 release. Following the commercial and critical success of indigenous epics like Jagun Jagun and the recently released Agesinkole 2: King of Thieves, this new production aims to chronicle the 19th-century resistance of the Lagos monarch against British colonial forces. Industry insiders report that the project will involve one of the largest production budgets in Yoruba cinema history, focusing on meticulous period-accurate costume design and the reconstruction of colonial-era Lagos. Highlighting the motivation behind the film, Adebayo stated, “Our history is a goldmine of untold stories that define our collective identity; King Kosoko is more than a movie, it is a tribute to the diplomatic sophistication and undying courage of our ancestors who defended our sovereignty.”
The announcement comes at a time of significant evolution in Nollywood’s economic model, following the record-breaking success of Adebayo’s community-based screening strategy for the Agesinkole sequel earlier this year. By bypassing traditional high-tier cinema chains for localized venues across South-West Nigeria, the filmmaker successfully grossed over ₦400 million in less than two weeks, demonstrating a viable alternative to global streaming platforms. This shift toward self-sustained distribution has bolstered confidence in high-budget indigenous storytelling, allowing filmmakers to maintain creative control while reaching a broader local demographic. “The reception to our community-focused model proves that Nigerians are hungry for their own stories when they are accessible,” Adebayo remarked during the project unveiling, adding that “this success gives us the platform to go even bigger with King Kosoko.”
As pre-production begins, the film is expected to feature a blend of veteran Nollywood stars and fresh talent, mirroring the casting diversity seen in Adebayo’s previous works. The production team has reportedly engaged historical consultants to ensure the narrative captures the complexities of the 1851 Reduction of Lagos and Kosoko’s eventual exile. This commitment to authenticity is seen as a strategic move to appeal to both local audiences and the growing global interest in African historical narratives. Analysts predict that King Kosoko will serve as a cornerstone for the 2026 cinematic calendar, further cementing the “Yoruba Epic” as a leading genre in the Nigerian film industry’s global export.
