Netflix will premiere the sequel to “Jagun Jagun: The Warrior” on 4 December.
Nigerian actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo has unveiled the cast of “Jagun Jagun 2”, the sequel to his 2023 epic.
Adebayo, 47, revealed the cast in a video he posted on his social media pages on Friday.
The new instalment features several fresh faces, including Fuji musicians Wasiu “Kwam 1” Ayinde and Wasiu “Pasuma” Alabi. Actress Funke Akindele, Muka Ray, Kano State, Cute Abiola also join the cast, alongside the late actor Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan, among others.
Several stars from the first film will reprise their roles. They include Lateef Adedimeji, Bimbo Ademoye, Bukunmi Oluwashina, Odunlade Adekola, Ibrahim “Itele D Icon” Yekini, Fathia Balogun, Adebayo Salami, Muyiwa Ademola, Yinka Quadri and Dele Odule.
On casting, Adebayo said creating a character was one thing, but bringing the fictional world to life required actors who could make audiences believe in the characters and their existence.
“This cast understood the assignment. Some brought power, some brought rage, some brought the silence that said everything without saying a word. And some gave us moments we definitely didn’t see coming. Behind the scenes, it was rehearsals, retakes, laughter, and of course, a little chaos.
“But somehow, all those different personalities came together and became one story. They made us feel, made us question, and, most importantly, made these characters feel real. So, without giving too much away, we’ll let the performances speak for themselves”, he said.
The first instalment of “Jagun Jagun” centred on Ogundiji, a powerful warlord whose dominance over several kingdoms faces a potential challenge from Gbotija, a young fighter determined to avenge his father’s death.
As Gbotija’s strength and abilities become apparent, Ogundiji begins to see him as a threat to his authority.
Tope Adebayo Salami and Adebayo Tijani directed the film, which debuted on Netflix on 10 August 2023.
The movie won two awards at the 2024 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA): Best Indigenous Language Movie (West Africa) and Best Costume Design.
It also received seven nominations at the 2024 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and ultimately won three prizes. These included Achievement in Makeup, Achievement in Visual Effects, and Best Actor in a Supporting Role, which Femi Adebayo won.
Adebayo later received the Outstanding Male Actor award at the 2024 Abuja International Film Festival.
