Bucci Franklin: 5 Things to Know About Nollywood’s Breakout Villain in ‘To Kill a Monkey’

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His chilling performance as “Oboz” in Kemi Adetiba’s new Netflix hit has everyone talking; here’s what makes Bucci Franklin the breakout star of the moment.

For weeks now, To Kill a Monkey, Kemi Adetiba’s latest Nollywood crime thriller, has been at the centre of social media buzz, with viewers praising its intense storyline, stylish visuals, and unforgettable performances. But among the cast, one name continues to dominate the conversation: Bucci Franklin.

The actor’s portrayal of Oboz, a suave but ruthless cybercrime kingpin, has turned him into a breakout sensation. With every menacing smirk and calculated move, Franklin proves he’s not just playing a villain; he’s reimagining what a Nollywood antagonist can be.

But who exactly is Bucci Franklin, and how did he become the face everyone can’t stop talking about?

5 Things to Know About Bucci Franklin

1. From Radio Star to On-Screen Sensation

Before commanding attention on screen, Bucci Franklin was making waves behind the mic. Born Aneke Bucci Franklin in Rivers State, he first carved a name for himself as a broadcaster. With a theatre arts degree from the University of Abuja, he joined Love FM 104.5 Abuja, co-hosting The Morning Show and anchoring Abuja on the Move.

His crisp delivery, presence, and ability to tell stories with nuance became his signature skills that translated powerfully into his acting career. That radio background refined his control, allowing him to carry intensity without overacting, a trait now evident in every brooding scene as Oboz.

 

2. A Theatre Foundation That Sets Him Apart

While many actors today rise through screen-only paths, Bucci Franklin’s acting DNA was forged on stage. At university, he immersed himself in the theatre, sharpening his emotional range and physical precision.

This theatre discipline is part of what makes Oboz so compelling. Franklin’s every gesture, gaze, and silence in “To Kill a Monkey” is loaded with purpose. His ability to “do more with less” stems from years of live performance, where subtlety often speaks louder than spectacle.

 

3. He Thrives on Complexity

Franklin isn’t drawn to safe or simple roles. From playing Nze in Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story to Government in Netflix’s Far From Home, he’s built a career choosing characters that wrestle with moral contradictions.

With Oboz, he goes even deeper. He plays a man driven by loyalty, haunted by abandonment, and entangled in the treacherous world of cybercrime. Rather than portray a textbook villain, Franklin leans into the emotional grey areas, prompting viewers to fear and sympathise with Oboz at once.

As one fan put it, “You hate what he does, but somehow… You still root for him.”

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4. He’s Selective And Intentional

In an industry where actors often chase quantity, Franklin’s career choices stand out. He’s not everywhere, and that’s by design. Whether it’s under the direction of Ramsey Nouah or Kemi Adetiba, Franklin gravitates toward stories that examine power, identity, and human vulnerability.

Off screen, he’s just as thoughtful. He’s been candid about mental health, burnout in the industry, and the emotional toll of intense roles. His authenticity and mindfulness have made him a role model for many emerging creatives in Nollywood.

 

5. “To Kill a Monkey” Could Be His Breakout Moment

Though he’s been quietly building a solid resume for over a decade, To Kill a Monkey feels like the tipping point. Critics have called his Oboz “the emotional heartbeat” of the series, and audiences are mesmerised by his scenes with co-stars William Benson and Sunshine Roseman.

With To Kill a Monkey streaming on Netflix, Franklin’s performance is now reaching global audiences. Industry watchers are already calling this his defining role, one that could launch him onto the world stage alongside stars like Chiwetel Ejiofor and Genevieve Nnaji.

 

Why Bucci Franklin Is Trending

More than just another Nollywood leading man, Bucci Franklin represents a new generation of African actors who blend technical skill with psychological depth. With Oboz, he doesn’t just deliver lines; he inhabits a broken, brilliant, terrifying soul shaped by the chaos of Lagos and the seduction of power.

As Nollywood grows more global, its actors, like Franklin, who understand the weight of silence, the power of restraint, and the magnetism of complexity, will carry African storytelling into the next era.

Bucci Franklin’s rise isn’t just a moment; it’s a movement. With a background in theatre, a career built on intention, and a performance in To Kill a Monkey that leaves viewers breathless, he’s not just “one to watch”; he’s the one we’re all watching now.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Bucci Franklin’s real name?

A: His full name is Aneke Bucci Franklin.

Q: Where is Bucci Franklin from?

A: He hails from Rivers State, Nigeria.

Q: What did Bucci Franklin do before acting?

A: He was a radio broadcaster at Love FM 104.5 Abuja, co-hosting major programs before moving into acting.

Q: What are some of Bucci Franklin’s past roles?

A: He’s appeared in Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story and Far From Home and now stars as Oboz in To Kill a Monkey.

Q: Where can I watch To Kill a Monkey?

A: The series is available for streaming exclusively on Netflix.

Q: What makes his role as Oboz so special?

A: Franklin delivers a layered, emotionally rich performance that redefines what it means to be a Nollywood villain: charming, complex, and deeply human.