Hollywood Producer Joins The Black Book 2: Nollywood Sequel Gains Prestige
Editi Effiong's Netflix sensation The Black Book is officially getting a sequel, titled The Black Book 2: Old Scores, with a significant boost from Hollywood. Emmy-nominated producer Nicholas Weinstock, known for his work on Apple TV+'s acclaimed series Severance, has joined the production team. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for Nollywood, as it positions the sequel for greater international recognition and distribution.
Global Success of the Original Film
Released in 2023, The Black Book achieved remarkable success on a reported $1 million budget. The revenge thriller reached No. 3 on Netflix's global charts, entered the Top 10 in over 69 countries, and garnered more than 20 million views worldwide. Starring Richard Mofe-Damijo as Paul Edima, a former hitman turned deacon, the film tackled themes of police brutality and corruption in Nigeria, resonating with audiences globally.
Nicholas Weinstock's Involvement and Impact
Nicholas Weinstock's addition to the project is a headline development. As a producer on Severance, which became Apple TV+'s most-watched series after its second season in 2025 and earned 27 Emmy nominations, Weinstock brings a track record of prestige television. His other credits include feature films like Thelma (2024) and Queenpins (2021), as well as the Emmy-nominated series Escape at Dannemora. He is also producing Clarissa, a Nigerian-set adaptation starring Sophie Okonedo and David Oyelowo. Weinstock's involvement suggests that The Black Book 2 will scale up in both scope and craft, potentially elevating Nollywood's production standards.
Plot and Creative Continuity
The sequel, Old Scores, will continue directly from the first film's conclusion, delving deeper into themes of justice, redemption, and societal unrest in contemporary Nigeria. Paul Edima is expected to resume his assault on the corrupt establishment, with Richard Mofe-Damijo likely reprising his role. Editi Effiong returns as writer and director, ensuring creative consistency. The official blurb emphasizes that the story aims to spark global conversations about African voices in cinema.
Implications for Nollywood and International Reach
This sequel arrives under enhanced circumstances, following Effiong's 2024 signing with Zero Gravity Management, a Hollywood firm known for projects like Ozark and The Accountant. The partnership with Weinstock's Invention Studios and Anakle Films signals a strategic move to strengthen the film's global awards consideration and distribution leverage. In a statement, Effiong highlighted that The Black Book showed local stories can have international impact, and the sequel continues this movement. Anakle Films, founded in 2018, has previously produced Netflix-acquired films like Up North and The Setup, reinforcing its role in Nollywood's expansion.
Release Timeline and Future Prospects
Currently, there is no confirmed release date for The Black Book 2: Old Scores. Production timelines have not been disclosed, but based on Netflix's typical cycles and the scale of this partnership, a late 2026 or early 2027 premiere is plausible. The sequel represents not only the next chapter in Paul Edima's story but also a significant step in Effiong's international push, potentially setting new benchmarks for Nigerian cinema on the global stage.
