Hollywood set to produce Nigeria’s first vampire TV series

 Yetide Badaki, the Nigerian-American actress popular in Hollywood, is set to produce Nigeria’s first-ever vampire TV series titled ‘Naija Vamp’.

According to Deadline, the project, which is already underway, will come as a TV series and comic book.

The outlet revealed that Badaki has teamed up with Payback Entertainment, founded by Prentice Penny, the Hollywood filmmaker; and Stranger Comics, owned by Sebastian Jones, for the project.

The forthcoming series will focus on a Nigerian vampire’s hunger for eternal love beyond the flesh.

It tells the story of Bisi, 40, who became a vampire as part of her Nigerian undead family heritage and her quest to embrace her identity.

The project is scheduled to be launched at an undisclosed date in 2023.

Speaking on the project, Badaki said the series is aimed at expanding inclusivity in genre spaces.

She added that as a Nigerian, the project is a “dream come true”.

“I am over the moon to be embarking on such an epic storytelling adventure with Prentice, Sebastian and the team at Payback Entertainment,” she said.

“As a geek and as a Nigerian, it has been a dream come true to be able to fuse both of these elements in this unconventional coming-of-age tale and to hopefully play a small part in further expanding inclusivity in genre spaces.

“To see Naija Vamp, an idea that originated in my mind brought to fruition in partnership with the immense talents and experience of Sebastian, Prentice and the team, is the absolute geektastic cherry on top. Gratitude is an understatement.”

Badaki has established herself as a household name in Hollywood. She was born in Ibadan, Oyo state, and lived in Nigeria for three years before leaving for England.

The 41-year-old gained prominence after playing Bilquis in ‘American Gods’, the popular fantasy TV series.