“Ego is killing the growth of Nollywood” — John Boyega

In a candid talk at the Africa International Film Festival, British-Nigerian actor John Boyega opened up about the obstacles keeping Hollywood and Nollywood from a powerful collaboration.

Known for his roles in blockbuster films like Star Wars, Boyega called out the “pride and ego” he says are holding some Nigerian filmmakers back from a golden opportunity to partner with Hollywood.

According to John Boyega, Hollywood has a growing interest in Nollywood, appreciating the way Nigerian filmmakers bring authentic, relatable stories to the screen, often rooted in real-life experiences. But he emphasized that the very individuality that makes Nigerian storytelling so compelling also comes with challenges.

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For example, rather than embracing collaboration, some in the Nigerian film scene are reluctant to work with Hollywood, holding tightly to local ways of doing things that don’t always translate easily on an international level.

Boyega also shared the surprising backstory of The Woman King, revealing that producers originally planned to film it in Nigeria, only to shift at the last minute to South Africa—a common Hollywood choice when seeking African locations.

This decision, he hinted, may be a missed opportunity for Nigeria, underscoring the need for more open, professional partnerships that can pave the way for future collaborations.

“Nollywood’s got something special, something Hollywood wants,” John Boyega noted, “but until we’re willing to check our egos and make real changes, those big moments will keep slipping away.”

Will Nigeria adapt its approach to capture Hollywood’s attention—or will Nollywood’s fiercely independent spirit keep it from fully stepping onto the global stage?