Nollywood filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has addressed the criticism surrounding his latest project, Anikulapo Series 2: The Ghoul Awakens, explaining that his films are made for viewers who enjoy deep and thoughtful stories.
According to a video shared on his Instagram page on February 10, 2026, Afolayan reacted to early reviews following the release of the new season. He noted that he does not expect everyone to understand or enjoy his style of filmmaking.
The director, known for films such as Irapada and The Figurine, recalled that those projects also faced criticism when they first came out, but eventually gained international recognition and awards. He suggested that reactions to Anikulapo Season 2 might follow a similar path.
Afolayan compared the response to his series with how audiences follow major shows like Game of Thrones, where viewers sometimes need several episodes to fully understand the story. He explained that the new season introduces fresh characters and new twists, which may take time for audiences to grasp.
He also mentioned that many academics and lovers of serious cinema have already shared positive feedback about the series. While acknowledging that not everyone will connect with the story, he expressed gratitude to those who understand and support his creative direction.
He said: “I don’t make films to please everybody. I make films for people who are willing to think deeply and follow the story. From Irapada to The Figurine, I’ve faced criticism before, but with time, people began to understand the vision.
“You can’t judge a layered story after one episode because some stories require patience. This season introduces new characters and new directions, and it takes time to see where it’s all going. I appreciate those who understand my style of storytelling. Not everyone will connect with it, and that’s fine.”
The Ghoul Awakens is now available on Netflix and streaming in more than 100 countries.