Renowned actor Uzor Arukwe has recently raised concerns about how actors are chosen for roles in Nollywood movies, highlighting a trend that prioritizes social media following over acting skills.

Uzor Arukwe leaks strange way Nollywood filmmakers choose actors for movies

In a candid interview with Pulse, Arukwe expressed his dismay over the prevalent practice in the industry. He revealed that many actors are being selected primarily based on the size of their social media fan base, rather than their proficiency in acting.

According to Arukwe, this phenomenon has become increasingly common, with producers often favoring individuals with a large online presence, regardless of their actual talent. He emphasized that this trend has created an uneven playing field, disadvantaging talented actors who may not have a significant following on social media.

Drawing from his own experience of over two decades in the industry, Arukwe reflected on the challenges he faced as a young actor. He recalled a time when the emphasis seemed to be more on social media metrics than on acting ability.

“I vividly remember my early days in the industry,” Arukwe shared with Pulse. “It was a tough period for me. Back then, it appeared that Instagram and Twitter followers held more weight than acting skills. I found it puzzling, but I had to come to terms with it because production houses were prioritizing numbers. However, I always questioned: ‘Can he act?’ That, to me, is the crucial question.”

Despite his reservations, Arukwe acknowledged that some actors have managed to succeed by leveraging both their talent and their social media presence. However, he underscored the importance of maintaining a balance between the two, rather than relying solely on online popularity.

“It’s true that there are talented actors who also happen to have a large following, and they’ve been doing well,” Arukwe admitted. “But we mustn’t lose sight of the fact that acting should remain the primary criterion for selecting actors.”

As Nollywood continues to evolve, Arukwe hopes to see a shift towards a more merit-based approach to casting, where talent takes precedence over social media metrics. He believes that this would not only benefit aspiring actors but also elevate the overall quality of Nigerian cinema.

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