Nneka the Pretty Serpent: Winning Lead Role ‘Unbelievable’, Says Actress Idia Aisien

TV personality Idia Aisien stars in her first film role in Play Network Studios’ remake of the classic film, Nneka the Pretty Serpent.

Aisien plays the iconic titular character, an experience she describes as “unbelievable.”

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The budding actress went through an extensive audition process, beating out several women to win the highly coveted role. To prepare for the demanding part, Aisien was given Igbo, acting and swimming lessons.

“A lot went into getting me ready to be Nneka,” Aisien told ARISE News. “It was an opportunity I couldn’t say no to.”

Zeb Ejiro’s 1994 original told the story of Nneka, a mermaid disguised as a human, whose mission on earth is to destroy marriages.

The remake, directed by Tosin Igho and produced by Ramsey Nouah, builds on, and answers some of the original story’s unanswered questions.

It’s Play Network Studios’ third film based on 90s Nigerian classics after CEO Charles OKpakele acquired the rights to the films. 2019’s Living in Bondage: Breaking Free was released to critical acclaim, and the remake of ‘Rattlesnake’ was released late last year.

“As different generations come, you want to be able to tell stories, but you want the stories to still be relatable to the new generation,” Aisien said.

“It was important that many of those Nollywood classics were brought back.”

Rita Osakwe

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