HBO Is Turning Nnedi Okorafor’s Book, ‘Who Fears Death’, Into A TV Series

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Award-winning Nigerian fantasy/science fiction writer, Nnedi Okoraforannounced on Twitter yesterday that her critically acclaimed novel, Who Fears Death, has been optioned by HBO and is now been developed into a TV show executive produced by George R.R. Martin. 

George R.R. Martin is the author of best-selling series of fantasy books Game of Thrones. He’s also the executive producer of the Game of Thrones TV show, adapted from the books, and optioned by HBO. So if anyone can make Nnedi’s book come alive in the best way, it’s him.

Image result for nnedi okorafor who fears death

Nnedi’s writing is unique, in that she blends science fiction with the Nigerian cultural heritage, while shattering stereotypes about Africans and women. The book, Who Fears Death, embodies that perfectly. It tells the story of a powerful girl, Onyesonwu, whose mother survived rape and the annihilation of their village, and now fights for her life and against discrimination in a magical journey.

(Photo: Nnedi Okorafor)

According to Nnedi, this development has been in the works for four years, and she will be overseeing the adaptation:

“I am very involved. I also know George well (we met in 2014 and I stayed in touch); he’s been a sort of mentor to me through all this. And all those involved know what this story is; Onyesonwu is in good good hands.”

Knowing Nnedi’s track record, which includes the novella, Binti, which won both the 2016 Nebula Award and 2016 Hugo Award; and George R.R. Martin’s track record; he’s still holding our attention with Game of Thrones; and HBO’s penchant for picking the most interesting TV shows, we cannot wait for the release of this series.

About Nnedi Okorafor

Nnedi Okorafor (full name: Nnedimma Nkemdili Okorafor; previously known as Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu; born April 8, 1974) is a Nigerian-American writer of fantasy, science fiction, and speculative fiction. Nnedi Okorafor is an international award-winning novelist of African-based science fiction, fantasy and magical realism for both children and adults.

Born in the United States to two Nigerian immigrant parents, Nnedi is known for weaving African culture into creative evocative settings and memorable characters. In a profile of Nnedi’s work titled, “Weapons of Mass Creation”, The New York Times called Nnedi’s imagination “stunning”.

Nnedi Okorafor’s books include Lagoon (a British Science Fiction Association Award finalist for Best Novel), Who Fears Death (a World Fantasy Award winner for Best Novel), Kabu Kabu (A Publisher’s Weekly Best Book for Fall 2013), Akata Witch (an Amazon.com Best Book of the Year), Zahrah the Windseeker (winner of the Wole Soyinka Prize for African Literature), and The Shadow Speaker (a CBS Parallax Award winner). Her latest works include her novel The Book of Phoenix and her novella Binti (a finalist for a Nebula and British Science Fiction Award).

Nnedi is an associate professor at the University at Buffalo, New York (SUNY). Learn more at Nnedi.com