Daniel Kaluuya To Star In Netflix’s Adaptation Of Femi Fadugba’s ‘The Upper World’

Daniel Kaluuya is one of the most talented young performers to emerge over the last several years. The actor’s appearances in films featuring social commentary and award buzz have endeared him to millions of movie fans. As first reported by Deadline, Kaluuya is set to partner with Netflix for a live-action adaptation of the author Femi Fadugba’s debut novel The Upper World.
The movie’s news precedes the books’ initial release. The novel will hit bookshelves in the United Kingdom next year with plans for a United States release in early 2022. Additionally, the story is set up to kick off a series of young adult books.
Within the backdrop of Peckham, London, the story focuses on a young man named Esso. Esso is apparently caught in a deadly blood feud when the story takes a fantasy twist. The main character receives an unexpected gift in the form of access to a world that features bits and pieces of the past and the future. During his timeline adventures, Esso meets a woman named Rhia who lives in 2035. Next, the two partner up to keep Esso from meeting an untimely death in 2020.
Daniel Kaluuya will star in the film and serve as an executive producer. Netflix will handle its distribution after acquiring the rights to the exciting story. One has to believe the streaming service expects to turn the books into a film franchise of their own. Moreover, Eric Newman (Bright) and Bryan Unkeless (Birds of Prey) are on board to produce alongside Fadugba.
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The young author expressed his joy in bringing the story to life on Netflix.
“With Netflix bringing the film adaptation to audiences around the world, I’m excited about the impact the story can have,” he said. “I’d love to one day see teachers putting the book on their summer reading lists. I’d love to help create a world where when people talk about the new Cardi B, Giggs or C.S song, they mention the ideas in The Upper World as part of the culture as well.”
Kaluuya continues to carve out an amazing legacy for himself. Last starring in 2019’s Queen & Slim, the British performer will next appear in Judas and the Black Messiah. Moreover, his roles in films like Black Panther and Get Out have earned him a bevy of major award nominations.
What do you think? Are you excited to see the upcoming Netflix film? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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