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2025 Nollywood promises a wave of comebacks—familiar faces, beloved franchises, and a revival of old classics. Nollywood’s anticipated release slate for the year features period epics like Jagun Jagun and Kunle Afolayan’s Anikulapo; return of classics like Issakaba, ‘76 and Mr & Mrs Jejeloye; return of modern thrillers like Blood Sisters and King of Boys and even veteran actors like Bukky Wright and Bob-Manuel Udokwu.
Here is a curated list of some Nollywood projects that we are still hoping to see in 2025.
To Kill a Monkey
To Kill a Monkey or TKAM (pronounced TeeKAM) is Kemi Atetiba’s hotly anticipated crime thriller series starring William Benson, Bucci Franklin as Obozuhiomwen, Chidi Mokeme, Stella Damasus, Bimbo Akintola, Ireti Doyle, Damilola Adegbite, Teniola Aladese, Michael Ejoor, Enado Odigie, Lillian Afegbai as Idia and Sunshine Rosman as Amanda Sparkles. The story follows Efemini after a chance reunion with an old friend pushes him into a life of cybercrime. Desperate due to his unfortunate circumstances, he finds himself making moral compromises in a dangerous game of escalating consequences.
According to the filmmaker, she is “branching out”, “exploring something really different” and pushing her creative limits. The series concluded its principal photography in October 2023 and was expected to premiere on Netflix in 2024 as the first of her then-announced slate of three projects with Netflix. To Kill A Monkey is now expected to be a 2025 release. The series is written by Kemi Adetiba with Remi Adetiba on board as producer.
‘77: The FESTAC Conspiracy
A continuation of the 2016 historical thriller, ’76, Izu Ojukwu takes the directorial chair once again for a story set around the 1977 FESTAC event. ’77 will feature the reunion of Ramsey Nouah and Rita Dominic from ’76; the former now an aggrieved serviceman is invited to be a part of a cause out to upset the political order of the continent, along with Ibinabo Fiberesima and Daniel K. Daniel who will also be reprising their ’76 roles. Soibifaa Dokubo will be joining the cast as the Leader of the Free Africa Movement as well as Seun Kuti who will be playing his famous father, Fela Kuti.
‘77 is written by Olisa Eloka as his feature film screenwriting debut, and the film had its exclusive press screening in December 2024 ahead of a 2025 theatrical release to be distributed by FilmOne.
Phoenix Fury
Filmed in Nigeria and Ghana, Phoenix Fury is directed by Ifeoma Chukwuogo for Fizzy K Pictures. Not much is known about the plot but we do know that it is set across different time periods. Chukwuogo most recently directed a period episode of Showmax psychological thriller Diiche. Phoenix Fury stars Uzoamaka Power (fka Aniunoh), RMD, Fadekemi Olumide-Aluko, Onyinye Odokoro, Shalewa Ashafa and Joseph Momodu.
It screened at AFRIFF 2024, becoming one of our gems at the festival, where it won Best Feature Film and Best Director, as well as an exclusive screening later in the year. A video teaser of the film was released this year, teasing a 2025 release.
Wire Wire
The infamous phenomenon of financial crime or internet fraud is touched upon in this crime drama from BAP Production, directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters. The cast includes Lasisi Elenu, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Neo Akpofure, Bisola Aiyeola, Erica Nlewedim, Boma Akpore, Lillian Afegbai, Bucci Franklin, Olarotimi Fakunle, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, Kelvinmary Ndukwe, Onyeka Fiaka, Abayomi Towase and Uzo Osimkpa.
Wire Wire tells the story of a smart, eager university graduate and a naturally gifted computer expert who joins a scam group after he meets their extremely wealthy leader. When he eventually wants out, he comes up with a plan to buy his freedom in an elaborate final scam. Simultaneously, he makes a deal with law enforcement in a plan to bring down the crew leader’s operation.
Anikulapo Series continuation
Following the “success” of the 2022 period fantasy feature film, Kunle Afolayan followed up with the release of the sequel series, Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre in 2024. In October of the same year, director Kunle Afolayan announced that the series had been renewed for a second and third season.
The second season is expected to extend beyond the Oyo Empire and explore the complex realities of the slave trade. It will star returning cast, Sola Sobowale, Bimbo Ademoye, Lateef Adedimeji along with additional cast, Teniola Aladese as Ìyá Efunsetan, Antar Laniyan, Joke Muyiwa, Saidi Balogun, Adeoluwa Okusaga, Saga Deolu and Tayo Faniran.
Freedom Way
Freedom Way follows various stories: a group of friends (Jesse Suntele, Ogranya Jable) who are trying to save their start-up after a sabotage; a bike man (Debo “Mr Macaroni” Adedayo) who has to find ways to provide for his family after losing his source of livelihood; a doctor (Taye Arimoro) struggling with his conscience and a police partners (Femi Jacobs and Bimbo Akintola) with a tough choice to make when they end up on different sides of the law.
This marks Olalekan Afolabi’s directorial feature film debut with Blessing Uzzi on the team as a producer. Other cast members include Meg Otanwa as Funke, Teniola Aladese and Mike Afolarin. Freedom Way had an intimate private screening in 2023, followed by its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September of last year. It also screened at Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Film Festival, and had its Nigerian premiere at the 2024 AFRIFF, where it won the Special Jury Prize. At this time, there is no set release date.
Sugar Rush 2
This is a sequel to the 2019 Sugar Rush movie directed by Kayode Kasum. Adesua Etomi, Bisola Aiyeola and Bimbo Ademoye will reprise their roles as the Sugar sisters. Caribbean filmmaker Khris Burton will be directing this sequel, which began principal photography in October 2022 and has gone quiet since then. Is 2025 the year we see the return of the Jade Osiberu-produced flick on our screens?
Jagun Jagun 2
The Yoruba epic film genre is alive and well. The period epic Jagun Jagun is set to return with a sequel after its 2023 Netflix premiere. In the first film, we were introduced to the feared warlord Ogunjimi and a competition to Ogunjimi’s reputation, Gbotija. This sequel possibly follows Ikulende’s (Ibrahim Chatta) revenge as teased at the end of the first film but the plot details are still unknown. With Adebayo Tijani, Tope Adebayo and Femi Adebayo all on board as directors, Jagun Jagun 2 finished principal photography in November of last year and is expected to be released sometime in 2025.
Mr and Mrs Jejeloye
On the first of this year, filmmaker Toyin Abraham took to social media to announce her slate of films for 2025, including Mr. and Mrs. Jejeloye which is targeting a December release.
The film is possibly a remake or continuation of Toyin Abraham’s 2012 film, which featured her and Femi Adebayo as a constantly arguing but bickering couple. However, no plot details have been confirmed yet. Mr and Mrs Jejeloye is expected to be released in cinemas.
Half of Me
Jade Osiberu produces Half of Me from Greoh Studios, marking Orobosa Ikponmwen’s feature film directorial debut, following her work on short films like BODMAS and The Delectable Azeezah Sama. The film stars Nancy Isime, Uzor Arukwe, Martha Erhihome and Obehi Aburime. Plot details are yet unknown.
A Smile, A Wink and a Tear
This period piece, produced by Winifred Mena Ajakpovi and directed by Izu Ojukwu (following their previous collaboration on period film, 4:4:44), is based on true events and set in the 90s. A Smile, A Wink and A Tear received nominations at the 2024 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), including Best Nigerian Film and Best Overall Film.
It was filmed in 2023 with a cast including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Chioma Akpotha (as Inspector Mofunanya Igwe), Efe Irele (as Ada), Bimbo Manuel, Monalisa Chinda, and David Rukeme.
The Fire and The Moth
Amanda Ugoh, Olarotimi Fakunle, Tayo Faniran, Jimmy Jean Louis, Keppy Ekpenyong, Ini-Dima-Okojie and William Benson are set to star in Taiwo Egunjobi’s new crime drama. The film, shot in Oyo State, centers on a smuggler’s theft of a rare Ife bronze head and the resulting violent consequences for the community.
The screenplay was written by Isaac Ayodeji, who is a frequent collaborator of Taiwo Egunjobi (In Ibadan, All Na Vibes, Crushed Roses, A Green Fever). Produced by Emiola Fagbenle, with Derin Adeyokunnu and BB Sasore serving as executive producers, this project marks the second collaboration between Nemsia Studios and Sable Productions, following A Green Fever. The Fire and the Moth completed principal photography in June 2024 and is expected to premiere at NollywoodWeek 2025 ahead of a Prime Video release later in the year.
Efunroye
Faithia Balogun’s upcoming biopic, Efunroye: The Unicorn, tells the story of Efunroye Osuntinubu, a powerful 19th-century Yoruba businesswoman and slave trader. The film’s announcement in October sparked controversy and social media debate, with some questioning the filmmaker and the industry’s ability to portray such a morally grey figure without endorsing her actions and whether the story needs to be told at all. Some also questioned whether the project was harboring political motivations.
In response to these concerns, the filmmaker has emphasized that the film is intended as an artistic exploration of Efunroye’s “complex legacy,” promising a nuanced portrayal that avoids both glorification and condemnation, aiming to present her story in all its layered complexity.
Blood Sisters S2
In 2024, Mo Abudu officially announced a second season of the Netflix Original Series Blood Sisters. The EbonyLife Studios production, led by Nancy Isime and Ini Dima Okojie, will bring back original cast members Kate Henshaw, Uche Jombo, Daniel Etim Effiong, Kehinde Bankole, Gabriel Afolayan, Segun Arinze, Patrick Doyle, and Genoveva Umeh.
Michelle Dede, Ifeanyi Kalu, Ben Touitou, Anita ‘Warri Pikin’ Asuoha, Blessing Jessica Obasi, Fadekemi Olumide, Bolaji Ogunmola, and Mike Afolarin will be joining the cast in yet-to-be-disclosed roles.
Created by Ted Makanjuola, the second season will be co-directed by Daniel Oriahi and Kayode Kasum, with a script written by Craig Freimond, Zeli Zulu, and Adze Ugah. Filming for Blood Sisters 2 wrapped in December 2024 after an 18-month development process.
On Different Grounds
Set in Lagos, the Nicolette Ndigwe-Kalu-produced project is teased to be a romantic comedy centered around a big wedding. The story, which the producer stated she had written about 20 years ago, is expected to “showcase the beauty of a proper Nigerian wedding”.
The film features a diverse cast including Nollywood veterans Bob-Manuel Udokwu and Jennifer Eliogu, alongside Uche Montana, Uche Jombo, Fadekemi Olumide, Nkem Owoh, Ifeanyi Kalu, Bambam Adenibuyan, Maggie Osuome, Ebele Okaro, Aproko Doctor, Bollywood’s Vineet Raina and Nimesh Diliprai, as well as Ghanaian-American actress Abena Akuaba.
On Different Grounds is directed by Mildred Okwo and began production in May 2024.
The Good Gift
The Good Gift, a film produced by William Uchemba, stars Uchemba himself, alongside Uzor Arukwe, Chidinma Matilda, and Atlanta Bridget Johnson. Notably, the film reunites Uchemba with veteran actress Hilda Dokubo, who played his mother in his 1999 debut film, Journey of the Dead. Directed by Kayode Kasum and produced by Chris Odeh, The Good Gift completed three months of post-production in October of last year.
Issakaba
Issakaba returns in this sequel to the 2001 film Issakaba, bringing back director Lancelot Imasuen and original stars Sam Dede and Chiwetalu Agu. The first film was based on a true story about the Bakassi Boys, a vigilante group fighting crime and a terrorising sorcerer in their Anambra community.
While plot details for Issakaba Returns remain scarce, the action film will introduce new cast members, including Chidi Mokeme, Iyabo Ojo, Nosa Rex, Unusual Phyna, Regina Daniels, Itẹle D Icon, Alex Usifo, Mark Angel, and Charles Okafor. The cast was announced last year, with a 2025 release anticipated.
Red Circle
Rixel Studios’ upcoming action thriller Red Circle is produced by Nora Awolowo and Abdul Tijani-Ahmed. Directed by Akay Mason, the film features veteran actress, Bukky Wright, who is continuing her return after Something About The Briggs, Folu Storms as Fikayo Holloway, Timini Egbuson, Tobi Bakre, Lateef Adedimeji, Femi Branch, Omowunmi Dada, Taye Arimoro, William Benson, Detola Jones, Lizzy Jay, Ibrahim Suleiman, Mike Afolarin, Ruggedman, and Debo “Mr Macaroni” Adedayo. Tijani-Ahmed also serves as the film’s writer. A cast reveal teaser was released in March of last year, with the film release scheduled for June 6, 2025.
Journalist Fikayo Holloway takes on investigating a powerful crime syndicate operating in Lagos in Red Circle. An investigation that leads her to the wealthy and influential businessman who orchestrates a corrupt network, but puts her and her loved ones in danger
King of Boys 3
Four years after the premiere of King of Boys: The Return of the King exclusively on Netflix, Kemi Adetiba early this year, teased a December 2025 cinema return for the third installment of King of Boys, King of Boys: The Beginning of the End. At the moment, Sola Sobowale remains the only confirmed returning cast member.
Iyalode
Another movie mentioned in Toyin Abraham’s 2025 release plans, Iyalode, an epic movie, is targeting a June release.
Details of the plot and cast are yet unknown.
The Other Side of The Bridge
Directed by Fiyin Gambo and starring Demi Banwo and Tobi Bakre, the film follows two boxers from vastly different backgrounds who must fight in a monumental match that threatens to divide the city of Lagos. It also stars Olarotimi Fakunle, Ireti Doyle, Mike Afolarin, William Benson, Femi Branch, Teniola Aladese, Gbubemi Ejeye, Seun Ajayi and Taye Arimoro.
The Other Side of the Bridge screened at AFRIFF 2024 in November and made it to our list of must-see films at the festival.
ORI
Another remake is on the Nollywood slate for 2025. Nearly two decades after the release of his original film, Orí, in 2004, Muyiwa Ademola is set to return with the release of Orí (Rebirth).
Muyiwa Ademola is on the film’s production as a writer as well as a director along with Adekola Tijani and Tope Adebayo Salami. The cast includes Muyiwa Ademola, Yemi Solade, Toyin Abraham, Sola Sobowale, Lateef Adedimeji, Omowunmi Dada, Femi Adebayo and Yinka Ayefele.
Orí (The Rebirth) is scheduled for a May 1st theatrical release.
After 30
As part of their three-film slate partnership deal with Prime Video, Nemsia Studio plans to return with After 30, a sequel to the eight-part series Before 30 from 2015. After 30 will follow four women over the age of 30 living in Lagos.
Damilola Adegbite, Meg Otanwa, Beverly Naya and Anne Icha will be reprising their B430 roles in this sequel. Omorinsojo Spaine will be taking over the directorial role from BB Sasore for this sequel.
Filming was concluded on the project in late 2023, and a world premiere is expected at NollywoodWeek 2025.
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