Celebrated Nigerian filmmaker Kemi Adetiba has thrilled fans by announcing December 25, 2025, as the release date for the highly anticipated third installment of her groundbreaking “King of Boys” franchise. The announcement, made through her Instagram account on her birthday, signals the return of one of Nollywood’s most compelling political crime dramas.
The upcoming film, subtitled “The Beginning of the End,” promises to expand the rich universe of power struggles and political intrigue that has captivated audiences since the franchise’s debut in 2018. Adetiba’s cryptic message to the “KOB Army” suggests an ambitious conclusion to the saga that has redefined Nigerian cinema.
This announcement comes as Adetiba reveals her broader creative vision, including two other projects in development: “To Kill A Monkey” and “Welcome to the Fourth.” These new ventures demonstrate the director’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of Nigerian storytelling beyond her established success with the King of Boys franchise.
The original “King of Boys,” released in 2018, masterfully told the story of Alhaja Eniola Salami, a powerful businesswoman and philanthropist embroiled in a complex web of power politics. The film’s success led to a Netflix series continuation in 2021, “King of Boys: The Return of the King,” which further expanded the narrative’s scope and reach.
Adetiba’s journey to this moment reflects the evolution of Nigerian entertainment itself. Beginning her career as a radio personality at Rhythm 93.7 FM, she gained prominence through shows like “Soul’d Out” and “Sunday at the Seaside,” even maintaining a secret identity as a remix artist under the name “Hule.” Her transition to television saw her hosting major shows on Mnet, including “Studio 53” and “Temptation Nigeria.”
The filmmaker’s dedication to her craft led her to the New York Film Academy, where she honed her storytelling skills. This education bore fruit with her short film “Across a Bloodied Ocean,” which earned international recognition at the Pan African Film Festival and National Black Arts Festival. Her debut feature, “The Wedding Party,” premiered at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival in 2016, establishing her as a force in African cinema.
The success of the King of Boys franchise owes much to its stellar cast, led by the commanding presence of Sola Sobowale as Eniola Salami, supported by industry veterans like Nse Ikpe-Etim, Jide Kosoko, and Richard Mofe-Damijo. The third installment promises to introduce new characters while maintaining the presence of familiar faces that have made the series compelling.
The Christmas 2025 release date strategically positions the film to capitalize on the holiday season, traditionally a strong period for Nigerian cinema. The choice of a theatrical release over streaming platforms underscores Adetiba’s commitment to the traditional cinema experience and her confidence in the film’s drawing power.
As pre-production continues, speculation grows about how Adetiba will conclude this chapter of Nigerian cinema history. The franchise has set new standards for storytelling and production values in Nollywood, and expectations are high for this final installment to push those boundaries even further.
The announcement has generated considerable buzz within the Nigerian film industry and among international followers of African cinema, highlighting the growing global appeal of Nollywood productions and the increasing sophistication of Nigerian storytelling.
