Anakle announces The Black Book sequel, partners Hollywood’s Severance producer

Anakle Films has announced “The Black Book 2: Old Scores,” a sequel to the 2023 Nigerian action thriller “The Black Book.” Editi Effiong returns as writer and director. The project partners with Hollywood producer Nicky Weinstock through his Invention Studios, known for work on Apple TV+’s “Severance” and other series.

The first film, released on Netflix on September 22, 2023, is a crime thriller directed and produced by Effiong in his feature directorial debut. It stars Richard Mofe-Damijo as Paul Edima, a former military guerrilla and later deacon whose past resurfaces after corrupt police frame and kill his son. Edima then pursues justice and revenge against a corrupt system.

The story draws on Nigeria’s history of military rule, police brutality, government corruption, and themes of redemption.

Funded by tech entrepreneurs and investors, the production had a budget of $1 million, considered large for Nollywood at the time. Cinematography came from BAFTA winner Yinka Edward.

“The Black Book” achieved significant success on Netflix. It became the first Nollywood film to reach number one worldwide on the platform’s charts shortly after release. Reports from BusinessDay noted it as Nollywood’s first No.1 globally, with strong viewership in multiple countries. It later hit over 20 million views in its opening period, appeared in Netflix’s Top 10 in more than 69 countries, and ranked as high as No. 3 on global film charts according to other sources.

The film received attention for blending Hollywood-style techniques with Nigerian narratives and for its scale in sets and action sequences.

The sequel, titled “The Black Book 2: Old Scores,” continues directly from the first film’s events. It focuses on Paul Edima’s ongoing fight against corruption, exploring justice, redemption, and societal issues in present-day Nigeria.

Anakle Films shared the news via an X post, including promotional images featuring Effiong and Weinstock, along with a teaser line about unresolved vengeance.

This collaboration aims to expand the story’s reach on international platforms. No release date for the sequel has been confirmed, and production timelines remain undisclosed.