## Funke Akindele’s ‘The Four’ sells out London premiere ahead of Nigerian release

Funke Akindele is taking her latest film to international audiences, and the response has already given her another reason to celebrate. Tickets for the London premiere of her upcoming movie, The Four: No One Fights Alone, have officially sold out ahead of its Nigerian cinema release in December.

The premiere is scheduled for November 29, 2026, at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, one of London's prominent cinema venues. FilmOne Entertainment, the film's distributor, announced the sell-out on November 5, thanking audiences for their support.

The development comes as Akindele prepares for the film's nationwide Nigerian cinema release on December 11.

What exactly sold out?

It is important to clarify that the announcement concerns tickets for the London premiere, rather than every cinema screening of the movie.

The event is part of an international promotional strategy by Funke Akindele Network and FilmOne Entertainment to introduce the production to audiences outside Nigeria before its domestic release.

Akindele had earlier announced the London screening on her official Instagram page, describing it as an important moment for Nigerian cinema.

The film features an ensemble cast, including Bisola Aiyeola, Chioma Akpotha, Waje, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Timini Egbuson, Lateef Adedimeji and Ali Nuhu.

Why Funke Akindele continues to attract cinema audiences

Akindele has developed a strong reputation as one of Nollywood's commercially successful filmmakers. Her productions have repeatedly attracted large cinema audiences, with her promotional campaigns becoming an important part of their release strategies.

Her 2023 film, A Tribe Called Judah, reportedly grossed about ₦1.41bn at the Nigerian box office. Everybody Loves Jenifa followed in 2024 with reported earnings of approximately ₦1.88bn, while her 2025 production, Behind The Scenes, reportedly generated around ₦2.76bn.

These results have helped establish an audience that pays attention when she announces a new cinema project.

Her marketing approach also goes beyond conventional trailers and posters. She regularly uses social media videos, comedy skits, cast appearances, promotional events and audience engagement to keep her films in public conversation.

Speaking at Creative Africa Nexus Weekend in Lagos on November 6, Akindele defended her promotional style, explaining that marketing and public relations are essential to getting audiences into cinemas.

What could the sell-out mean for the December release?

The London achievement provides an encouraging early indication of interest in The Four, particularly among Nigerians and African film enthusiasts living abroad.

It also gives the production an opportunity to build publicity ahead of its Nigerian release. International premieres can help Nigerian films reach diaspora audiences, attract media attention and create conversations that continue when the movies arrive in local cinemas.

Akindele has also set an ambitious ₦5bn box-office target for the film, a figure she enthusiastically accepted during her conversation with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo.

However, a sold-out premiere does not automatically guarantee similar results across the nationwide cinema release. The film's eventual performance will depend on cinema attendance, audience reception, screening availability and how well its promotional campaign converts interest into ticket sales.

For now, the London premiere has given The Four a strong promotional start. The next major test will come on December 11, when Nigerian audiences get their opportunity to see the film.