Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele is set to return to cinemas with her latest feature film, The Four: No One Fights Alone, scheduled for a nationwide release on 11 December 2026. The film, produced by Funke Akindele Network (FAAN TV) and distributed theatrically by FilmOne Entertainment, marks another high-profile December release for Akindele, continuing a pattern of box-office dominance that has defined her career. Akindele, who wrote, directed, and produced the film, unveiled the cast earlier this week, bringing together a mix of veteran actors, musicians, and rising stars. The film's ensemble includes notable figures such as Richard Mofe-Damijo, Bisola Aiyeola, Chioma Akpotha, Waje, Timini Egbuson, Lateef Adedimeji, Ali Nuhu, Uzor Arukwe, Wunmi Toriola, and several others. Additional cast members include John Ekanem, Ireoluwa Olaniyan, Omotunde Adebowale David, known as Lolo1, Mide Iwasokun, Kolapo Omotosho, Shoday, Ogbolor, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Antar Laniyan, Samuel Banks, and Ayomide Iwasokun. The inclusion of these diverse talents underscores the scale and ambition of the project. The Four is described as an emotionally driven drama centered on friendship, motherhood, resilience, and the strength of ordinary women. The plot follows Esosa and three fiercely loyal women whose determination to secure the future of a young man they care about puts their friendship, courage, faith, and loyalty to the test. The narrative explores themes of hope, sacrifice, and unity, weaving in elements of Nigerian culture through music, fashion, language, and tradition. Set against the backdrop of both the serene Odu Community and the bustling city, the film aims to resonate with audiences on personal and communal levels. Akindele revealed the film’s concept through a post on her social media platform, emphasizing the relatability of the relationships and experiences depicted. She stated that audiences have grown with her over the years and now expect stories that entertain while reflecting their realities. “With The Four, we are exploring the relationships that shape us, challenge us, and stay with us,” she said. “I think audiences will find a part of themselves in this story.” Her approach aligns with her previous works, which have consistently blended emotional depth with commercial appeal. This release follows a string of successful December films that have solidified Akindele’s status as one of Nigeria’s most commercially successful filmmakers. In 2023, A Tribe Called Judah became the first Nigerian film to surpass ₦1 billion at the box office, ultimately grossing around ₦1.4 billion. A year later, Everybody Loves Jenifa exceeded that figure, reaching approximately ₦1.88 billion. Most recently, Behind The Scenes, released in December 2025, reportedly earned about ₦2.76 billion, setting new benchmarks for Nigerian cinema. Other notable projects include Omo Ghetto: The Saga and Battle on Buka Street, both of which have contributed significantly to her growing legacy. The upcoming release of The Four presents a new challenge for Akindele, testing whether she can maintain the box-office momentum of her recent successes and continue to push the boundaries of Nigerian cinema. With the film’s release coinciding with the end-of-year holiday season, a traditionally busy period for cinema attendance, the stakes are high. The film’s global cinema debut, handled by FilmOne, signals an intent to reach international audiences beyond Nigeria, potentially expanding Akindele’s influence within the broader African and diaspora markets. As anticipation builds, fans and industry observers await further details about the film’s storyline, promotional strategies, and potential impact on the Nigerian film industry. The release of The Four promises to be another milestone in Akindele’s career, reinforcing her position as a key figure in shaping the future of Nollywood.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
NG
