Kunle Afolayan Drops Chilling Trailer for Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens
The wait is finally over for fans of the Yoruba cinematic universe as filmmaker Kunle Afolayan officially released the Anikulapo The Ghoul Awakens trailer, promising a darker and more intense chapter in the hit franchise. Set to premiere globally on Netflix on January 30, 2026, the six part series serves as a sequel to the 2024 “Rise of the Spectre” and the original 2022 award winning film.
The trailer, which debuted on January 19, hints at a narrative where “power, once awakened, demands a price,” signaling that the supernatural consequences of Saro’s actions are far from over. From the lush landscapes of Oyo to foreign shores, this new installment explores love, betrayal, and a desperate fight for survival.
The scale of production for The Ghoul Awakens has significantly expanded, with filming taking place at the KAP Film Village in Oyo State and crossing borders into Cape Coast, Ghana. This regional collaboration, facilitated by Ghana’s National Film Authority, brings a fresh cultural dimension to the series.
The trailer teases breathtaking cinematography and high stakes spiritual warfare, as the protagonist Saro (played by Kunle Remi) continues to grapple with the divine gift and curse of resurrection. The introduction of “The Ghoul” suggests that a new, more sinister spiritual entity will challenge the foundations of the Oyo Empire.
New and Returning Cast Members
Afolayan has assembled a star studded ensemble that blends Nollywood legends with unexpected international and public figures:
- Surprise Debuts: In a move that shocked many, Abike Dabiri Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), makes her acting debut in an undisclosed role.
- International Influence: Portuguese film star Pedro Teixeira and Ghanaian actress Fella Makafui join the cast, hinting at a storyline that travels beyond the borders of Nigeria.
- Nollywood Veterans: Fan favorites like Sola Sobowale (Awarun), Bimbo Ademoye (Arolake), Taiwo Hassan (Alaafin), and Gabriel Afolayan are confirmed to return.
- Fresh Faces: The series also introduces content creator Bukunmi “KieKie” Adeaga Ilori, Teniola Aladese, Saidi Balogun, and former BBNaija star Adeoluwa “Saga” Okusaga.
Plot Evolution and Themes
The storyline for The Ghoul Awakens picks up where the previous series left off, focusing on the moral reckoning that follows the manipulation of life and death. While Saro was once a humble weaver who used the Akala bird’s power for personal gain, he now faces a world where every life restored has created a spiritual imbalance.
The trailer’s tagline, “Survival is the real crown,” suggests that political power in Oyo is being overshadowed by a primal, supernatural threat. The themes of the 2026 season lean heavily into Yoruba spiritual philosophy, questioning the ethics of immortality and the inevitability of destiny.
As Nollywood continues its global expansion, Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens stands as a flagship project for Netflix in Africa. With its high production value, cross border filming, and an eclectic cast, the series is positioned to be one of the most significant cultural moments of the year.
Fans are already dissecting the trailer for clues about Queen Arolake’s fate and the true identity of the “Ghoul,” ensuring that the January 30 release will be met with massive viewership.