Enioluwa Adeoluwa Explains Why the Industry Uses ‘Same Faces’ in Films
The conversation surrounding the recurring use of familiar actors in Nollywood productions has recently garnered attention, especially after a social media exchange involving actress Jemima Osunde. The debate began on November 11, 2024, when a user on X (formerly Twitter) expressed frustration at the perceived lack of diversity in casting, stating, “I’m sincerely tired of seeing the same faces in this damn industry.”
Osunde’s response was sharp: “We’re tired of seeing your face too in your office. Damn! I hope they sack you.” While her retort fueled social media discussions, it was actor and social media personality Enioluwa who offered a more analytical take on the issue.
Enioluwa took to X to shed light on why Nollywood often features the same set of actors. He pointed out that the economic structure of the industry limits the opportunities for newer faces. “People often say they’re tired of seeing the same faces in Nigerian films. However, unlike in Hollywood, actors in Nigeria can’t afford to do just one film a year—how much are they paying? The industry currently can’t support as many newcomers as people might expect because, realistically, many of them wouldn’t be able to meet even their basic needs. No one wants to be famous and financially unstable,” Enioluwa explained.
His comments highlight a fundamental economic challenge within the Nigerian film industry: financial limitations. Despite Nollywood’s reputation as one of the largest film industries in the world, its infrastructure does not yet match the profitability or financial scale of Hollywood. This reality affects casting decisions and forces production teams to rely on seasoned actors whose market appeal can guarantee better returns.
One user, acknowledging Enioluwa’s point, responded, “You made a crucial point there but you didn’t suggest any solution.” To this, Enioluwa elaborated on the slow but promising growth in the industry. “We don’t have the buying power yet; it’s growing because streaming platforms have come in and people have made more records in the box office. Nevertheless, you can’t equate it to Hollywood, an Avengers that made over $2 billion that can pay its actors millions of dollars and still have enough profit.”
His insights underscore the challenges faced by both producers and actors in Nollywood—a film must not only engage audiences but also recover costs in an industry where profit margins remain tight. While streaming platforms and increased international interest are signs of potential growth, the journey to creating a system that supports a broader pool of actors is ongoing.
The discourse sparked by Enioluwa’s comments reflects the complex dynamics of an industry striving for expansion while contending with economic constraints. It also emphasizes the need for sustainable financial models that can offer opportunities to emerging talent without compromising the livelihoods of established actors.
