Nollywood actor and producer Zubby Michael has criticised casting and production decisions he says are limiting Nollywood’s growth on streaming platforms such as Netflix and Prime Video.
Zubby Michael on Nollywood Casting Culture
Speaking with HipTV, Zubby questioned the industry’s standards, saying many producers prioritise familiar faces over capable actors. According to him, this approach weakens film quality and damages Nollywood’s credibility.
Some producers collect money but fail to deliver strong films because they choose familiar faces instead of capable actors.
When those films fail to sell, it pushes investors away and damages Nollywood’s credibility.
Zubby Michael on His New Movie Abada
Regarding his own upcoming film Abada, Zubby made it clear that he chose performers known not just for their names but for their strong acting skills. He highlighted that he’s bringing in the likes of Pete Edochie, Ini Edo, Patience Ozokwor, Nkem Owoh, and Nosa Rex, actors respected not only for their fame but for the quality they bring to the screen.
According to him, films meant for global platforms cannot rely on sentiment or favouritism. “When you use actors who can truly deliver their roles, the film will be good,” he said.
Career Reflection and Industry Commentary
Zubby also revisited his rise in the industry, calling Omo Ghetto: The Saga the turning point that forced people to take him seriously. “Omo Ghetto was my turning point because it opened a way for me,” he said.
Zubby challenged the notion that entertainers should comment on national issues. He said some people working quietly achieve more than those speaking publicly, adding bluntly that “talk is cheap.” He noted that films addressing Nigeria’s political realities would only appear when producers are financially secure enough to take the risk.
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