Veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli has responded to criticisms surrounding the industry’s repeated use of popular actors, stating that the trend is not peculiar to Nigeria’s film space but a global norm driven by audience preference.
In a recent interview, Oboli explained that viewers naturally gravitate toward familiar faces, and filmmakers leverage this by casting actors who are already household names to attract more viewers and boost visibility.
“All over the world, people build their careers to become household names. The more popular you are, the more roles you get. It’s not just Nollywood; it’s how the entire global industry works,” she said.
She emphasized that recognizable talent often drives audience interest, as viewers are more likely to watch films featuring their favorite stars.
Familiarity Builds Trust and Engagement
Oboli also highlighted that the popularity of certain actors often results in more job creation within the industry. She noted that even lesser-known talents can rise to stardom through consistent casting.
“We also create faves. Sometimes, actors weren’t known at first, but after being used repeatedly, they become popular. Once they’re recognized, everyone starts casting them. That’s how the system works,” she added.
According to her, using popular faces is not a negative strategy. Instead, it reflects the natural behavior of audiences, who tend to support what they know, love, and trust.
“It’s just like any other business—people buy from those they know. The same applies to movies. Viewers click on films when they see faces they trust. So yes, we use lesser-known actors and help them become stars others will also cast,” she concluded.
