Nollywood filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has addressed the backlash trailing his latest Netflix release, Anikulapo Series 2: The Ghoul Awakens, insisting that his films are intended for audiences capable of deep thinking and intellectual engagement.
The five-part series premiered on Netflix on 30 January 2026, continuing the Anikulapo franchise which first gained attention in 2022.
Within days, mixed reactions emerged online, with some praising the series’ cultural depth and visuals, while others criticized its pacing and complexity.
On Tuesday, February 10th 2026, Afolayan posted a video on his verified Instagram page to respond to criticism. He told viewers:
“Something that is very peculiar to the kind of films that we make, we make films for the intellectual.”
” We make films for people who can think.”
He further clarified that his work is not designed to appeal to everyone:
“I don’t expect that everybody would like the film or understand the film.”
” But I expect that the people that I am trying to appeal to would get it.”
Afolayan also drew a comparison with global series to stress the need for patience in the following complex stories:
“When you watch a series like Game of Thrones and the rest, you have to wait every week before the new episode comes out.”
“You haven’t even seen it all; how come you’ve concluded that the stories are all over the place?”
On the reactions of those claiming they do not understand the series, he added:
“How do you conclude that in your brain that it is not good when you have not even seen the entire thing?”
He acknowledged support from academics and scholars, noting:
“I have read from scholars, professors, and deep thinkers; I have heard from them, and I appreciate them.”
Afolayan’s statements quickly generated a lively discussion online.
Some viewers defended the filmmaker’s approach, emphasizing the value of intellectual storytelling:
@getKennethed22: “Afolayan’s comment is truth, not shade.”
“Not every film is meant for quick entertainment.”
@AyoKnight1: “Some films need your intellect; others let you relax and enjoy popcorn chaos.”
@DharnyelPeter: “If you came for explosions and flying slippers, you’re in the wrong cinema… some press play for metaphor and subtext.”
Others saw his comments as dismissive of audience feedback:
@djdamanny: “Season 2 had many unnecessary long scenes… nothing much to blow one’s mind.”
@mickeytrinny1: “This man outright called everyone that didn’t enjoy this arse of a movie unintellectual.”
@OladimejiEgbey1: “So na we be gbas gbos? A man must learn from his mistake…”
The debate has highlighted a growing divide in Nigeria’s entertainment space between audiences seeking intellectual cinema and those preferring entertainment-first content.
Analysts say the discussion around Anikulapo Series 2 underscores broader conversations about storytelling, patience, and audience expectations in Nollywood.
By directly addressing criticism with his verified statements, Afolayan has reaffirmed his commitment to meaningful, culturally rooted, and thoughtful filmmaking.
Anikulapo Series 2: The Ghoul Awakens continues to stream on Netflix globally, with discussions and debates on its style and content trending across Nigerian social media as of 11 February 2026.
For Kunle Afolayan, the message remains clear:
“I will continue to tell the stories the way I believe they should be told.”