Orange Is the New Black star Uzo Aduba will join Lupita Nyong’o in the highly-anticipated TV adaptation of Americanah, coming to HBO Max.
Variety reports that Aduba’s casting comes after Harriet actor Zackary Momoh joined the series.
Americanah is based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s best-selling novel of the same name, which tells the story of Ifemelu (Nyong’o), a teenager living in military-ruled Nigeria, who falls in love with her classmate Obinze (Momoh) before the pair depart for the West and their paths diverge. Aduba will play Ifemelu’s young aunt and confidant, Aunty Uju, who left Nigeria with her son Dike to resettle in America.
Clearly her co-star Nyong’o is excited about the casting. She took to Twitter to share how she feels about Aduba joining her.
Aduba replied, writing: “Aaaayyyyyyeeeeee!!!! When you can’t HELP but do the happy dance!”
Americanah received critical praise as Adichie wrote in her novel about Ifemelu’s awakening of what it means to be Black in America, such as getting her hair braided in far out and obscure parts of the Northeast.
The 10-episode limited series, however, will feature a pilot, written by Danai Gurira. The Black Panther star also serves as the showrunner.
The series will premiere on HBO Max in 2020.