‘Anikulapo’ Returns Bigger, Bolder in ‘Rise of the Spectre’
Ferdinand Ekechukwu
Trailer for ‘Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre’, a spinoff of the hugely successful 2022 period piece, ‘Anikulapo’, debuted last Tuesday. This followed the official poster unveiled days earlier, by the producer/ director, Kunle Afolayan, to the delight of Nollywood buffs online.
The six-part epic series is primed for release soon. Viewers will get to continue the intriguing and fascinating story of Saro and Queen Arolake. The original movie tells the story of Saro, who arrived in Oyo as a stranger and a traditional textile weaver.
Saro and Arolake are caught in a forbidden romance as she is an unhappy wife to the King. The two eloped and Saro becomes a man of influence after being saved from death by a mysterious bird. Soon, the lovers are torn apart by Saro’s betrayal.
It ends with Arolake disappearing after destroying what made Saro powerful. While in ‘Anikulapo: Rise of The Spectre’, in a race against time to avoid a dismal fate, traveler Saro returns to the Oyo Kingdom with orders to complete a nearly impossible task.
With Kunle Remi returning as Saro and Bimbo Ademoye as Rolake, the lovers-turned-foes are joined by a unique pack of Nollywood veterans and stars such as Sola Sobowale, Jide Kosoko, Lincoln Owo Ogunde, Taiwo Hassan, Gabriel Afolayan, Adewale Elesho, Uzee Usman and Lateef Adedimeji.
Other fan favorite and exciting new cast members include Adebayo Salami, Moji Afolayan, Aisha Lawal, Adeniyi Johnson, Funky Mallam, Sokoto Alabgedeorun, Ropo Ewenla, Olayiwola Razaq Olasunkanmi, Kayode Aderupoko, Damilola Ogunsi, Oyindamola Sanni, Sunday Omobolanle, Sisi Quadri and Titi Kuti.
The much anticipated ‘Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre’ was solely shot at the Kunle Afolayan Production (KAP) Film village in Oyo with a cast and crew of 600 people. Upon its debut in March, the series will be available for streaming in 190 countries.
