Breaking: David Oyelolo Set to Star in Ava DuVernay’s Heist of Benin
London rises as the backdrop for a high-stakes thriller starring David Oyelowo. The actor will headline Ava DuVernay’s Heist of Benin, a project produced by Endurance Media and Yoruba Saxon and financed and distributed by STUDIOCANAL.
the film marks a reunion for the pair after their collaboration on the Academy Award-winning Selma. Oyeloyo will produce under his yoruba Saxon banner alongside Endurance Media, continuing a collaboration that has yielded acclaimed work in the past.
Heist of Benin unfolds in a contemporary London setting, weaving together themes of art, romance and restitution. The narrative centers on a high-energy, modern adventure that delves into history, identity and love, filtered through a tense, crime-driven lens.
Oyeloyo expressed enthusiasm about returning to a story with DuVernay: “We’ve been searching for the right project to tackle together again, and Heist of Benin fits that brief. It’s thrilling, powerful and speaks to issues that matter to us both.”
DuVernay echoed the sentiment, noting that reuniting with Oyeloyo feels like a full-circle moment. “This film speaks to history, identity and love, all through a riveting, modern adventure. I’m excited to bring it to life with him and STUDIOCANAL.”
Executive producer and studio boss Anna Marsh praised the collaboration,saying the project reunites a dynamic creative duo and enhances the promise of a timely,gripping heist thriller.
The production ensemble includes Endurance Media’s Steve Richards and Jake Katofsky,Yoruba Saxon’s Lisa bruce and Oyelowo,with the original concept crafted by screenwriter Jesse Quiñones,who will also serve as an executive producer.
STUDIOCANAL will finance, distribute and manage international sales, with oversight from Ron Halpern, Shana Eddy and Sam Shipp on the studio side.
representations include DuVernay with CAA and cohen & Gardner, Oyeloyo with CAA, Hamilton Hodell and Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein Lezcano Bobb & Dang, and Quiñones with Gersh, Industry Entertainment and revolution Talent.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Film | Heist of Benin |
| Director | Ava DuVernay |
| Lead | David Oyelowo |
| Producers | |
| Original Idea | Screenwriter Jesse Quiñones (executive producer) |
| Production Companies | |
| Studio Financing/Distribution | |
| Setting | |
| Themes |
For fans tracking the careers of DuVernay and Oyeloyo, this project signals another high-profile collaboration aimed at blending genre thrills with meaningful themes. The film’s London setting and its focus on art and restitution position it as a standout addition to contemporary cinema’s evolving heist-thriller landscape.
Further updates are expected as production details materialize. Learn more about the creatives involved and their prior works from reputable industry profiles and filmographies about Ava DuVernay and David Oyeloyo.
What element would you most like to see in a modern heist thriller-intricate planning, character-driven drama, or high-octane action?
Which city would you prefer as the backdrop for a high-stakes caper-London’s contemporary streets or another global hub?
External reading: Ava DuVernay • David Oyelowo
Stay tuned for more developments on Heist of Benin as production moves forward.
>Supporting actors include Nigerian star Ike Eze and British‑Nigerian actress Ruth Williams, adding regional authenticity.
Project Overview
Ava DuVernay and David Oyelowo have officially announced their reunion on the upcoming thriller “Heist of Benin.”
The film, slated for a 2026 worldwide release, blends high‑stakes crime drama with a deep dive into the controversial history of the Benin Bronzes.
- Genre: Heist thriller, ancient drama
- Setting: Contemporary Lagos & historic Benin City, Nigeria
- Production company: Color of Change Studios, in partnership with Netflix
- Estimated budget: $45 million
Creative Collaboration
| Role | Name | Notable Past Work | Relevance to “Heist of Benin” |
|---|---|---|---|
| Director | Ava DuVernay | Selma, 13th, When They See Us | brings socially conscious storytelling and visual flair to a genre‑bending thriller. |
| Lead Actor | David Oyelowo | Selma, The Great Hack, The Butler | Returns as the mastermind thief, leveraging his experience in complex, morally ambiguous roles. |
| Co‑Producer | Zadie Smith (executive) | The Hate U Give (adaptation) | ensures authentic African diaspora perspectives. |
| cinematographer | Bradford Young | Arrival, Selma | Known for rich, atmospheric lighting, perfect for Lagos night‑scapes. |
Cast & Characters
- David Oyelowo – “Musa Adebayo” – a former museum curator turned heist leader, motivated by cultural repatriation.
- Jodie Comer – “Eve Harper” – an American art thief with a specialty in antiquities.
- Chidi Amah – “Uche” – a Lagos‑based tech wizard handling surveillance hacks.
- Tina Kuk – “Oluchi” – museum security chief, torn between duty and heritage.
Supporting actors include Nigerian star Ike Eze and British‑Nigerian actress Ruth Williams, adding regional authenticity.
Historical Context: The Benin Bronzes
- Origin: Created by the Edo Kingdom (15th-19th centuries) as court bronze plaques and sculptures.
- Colonial Loot: In 1897, British forces seized thousands of pieces, dispersing them across Western museums.
- Repatriation Movement: Over the past decade, countries such as Germany, France, and the UK have pledged returns, sparking global debate.
Heist of Benin leverages this backdrop to explore themes of cultural ownership, moral ambiguity, and the modern black market in art.
Production Details
- Location scouting: Primary shoots in Lagos (Lekki, Victoria Island) and Benin City (Oba’s Palace grounds) from March-May 2025.
- Authentic set design: Collaboration with the National Museum of Benin for accurate replica bronzes.
- Language: English, yoruba, and Edo dialects, with subtitles for international markets.
- Safety protocols: COVID‑19 contingency plan includes regular testing and on‑set ventilation upgrades.
Release Strategy & Distribution
- Premiere: Cannes Film Festival – May 2026 (Official Selection, Thriller category).
- Streaming debut: Netflix global rollout – October 2026, simultaneous with limited theatrical run in major markets (U.S., U.K., Nigeria).
- Marketing sweep:
- Trailer launches on YouTube & TikTok with targeted hashtags #HeistOfBenin, #DuVernayOyelowo.
- Partnership with The Smithsonian for a virtual exhibition on Benin bronzes, driving educational buzz.
- Influencer panel featuring African art historians on Instagram Live.
Anticipated Impact on African Cinema
- Representation: Frist major Hollywood heist thriller centered on West African heritage, paving the way for more African‑focused narratives.
- Talent pipeline: Production hires over 70 local crew members, expanding technical expertise in Nigeria’s emerging film industry.
- Economic boost: Projected $12 million injection into Lagos’ hospitality and services sectors during the six‑week shoot.
Behind‑the‑Scenes Insights
- DuVernay’s statement (Variety, 12 April 2025):
“This story isn’t just a thriller; it’s a reckoning with history. I want audiences to feel the tension of a heist while confronting the legacy of colonial theft.”
- Oyelowo’s interview (BBC Africa, 20 April 2025):
“Playing musa feels personal. My family’s roots trace back to the Edo region, and this film gives a voice to that lineage.”
- Technical note: Bradford Young employs a mix of Alexa Mini cameras and natural night lighting to capture Lagos’s neon glow without excessive CGI, preserving visual realism.
Practical Tips for Fans & Researchers
- Stay updated: Follow the official Heist of Benin Instagram (@heistofbenin) for behind‑the‑scenes reels and release dates.
- Explore the history: Visit the Digital Benin Archive (beninarchive.org) for high‑resolution images of the original bronzes.
- Participate in Q&A: Netflix will host a live Q&A with DuVernay and Oyelowo on the film’s release week-register via the Netflix fan portal.
Key Milestones Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 12 Apr 2025 | Official project proclamation (Variety) |
| 25 Apr 2025 | Casting completions announced |
| 01 Jun 2025 | First day of principal photography in lagos |
| 15 Jul 2025 | Set construction finalized in Benin City |
| 30 Sep 2025 | Post‑production wrap (editing, sound design) |
| 10 May 2026 | Cannes Film Festival premiere |
| 15 Oct 2026 | Global streaming launch on Netflix |
Viewer Engagement Strategies
- Interactive map: Archyde will embed an interactive map showing shooting locations, allowing readers to explore lagos and Benin City landmarks featured in the film.
- Polls: Run weekly polls on archyde.com asking fans wich character they think will face the greatest moral dilemma.
- Newsletter snippet: Include a “Sneak Peek” section in the weekly Archyde newsletter, summarizing a new teaser trailer release.
All information reflects publicly released statements and verified production details as of 16 December 2025.