Actor William Benson has spoken about his experience working with Bucci Franklin, Stella Damasus and other cast members of Kemi Adetiba’s Netflix series To Kill a Monkey.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, William described the project as a turning point in his career.
He said, “I had been in the industry for a long time, working hard and consistently, but this project brought me into the limelight. People started mentioning my name everywhere I went. It’s proof that when preparation meets opportunity, there’s a spark.”
The actor recalled turning down a 130-episode Africa Magic project to join To Kill a Monkey.
“I made the bold decision to choose the latter, knowing it would be on Netflix and reach audiences worldwide. I didn’t know it would be this big, but I trusted the potential, and it’s paying off today,” he said.
William also praised director Kemi Adetiba, calling her “an actor’s director” who never abandons her cast.
“She’s a very creative storyteller who knows how to guide you from point A to point B. If an actor is a ready tool in the hand of a ready director, greatness is bound to happen; and that’s exactly what happened,” he said.
On his role as Efe, he said his performances often draw from observing people and society.
William further opened up about a personal betrayal he experienced in 2024.
“A friend I had worked with for almost as long as I’ve been in the industry—someone I considered like a brother—betrayed me. My executive producer solicited him to join his company as an in-house director, and he took the offer without saying a word to me. It hurt, but that’s life. I had to let go,” he said.
On his on-screen chemistry with Sunshine Rosman’s “Amanda Sparkles,” the actor clarified it was purely professional.
“Between Efe and Amanda Sparkles, it was purely acting. I was fulfilling the emotions of the character—nothing more, nothing less,” he said.
Speaking on the general atmosphere on set, he added, “Every actor you saw on that set was orchestrated by divinity. Bucci (Franklin) was a crazy superstar and my friend. Stella (Damasus) and Idia (Lilian Afegbai) made it easy as well. It was about working together rather than competing. There was pure love all through.
The eight-part crime thriller premiered on Netflix on July 18, 2025. It tells the story of Efemini “Efe” Edewor (William Benson), a desperate man lured into cybercrime by his childhood friend Oboz (Bucci Franklin).
The series stars Stella Damasus as Efe’s wife Nosa, Bimbo Akintola as Inspector Mo Ogunlesi, Chidi Mokeme as Teacher, alongside Lilian Afegbai, Sunshine Rosman, Teniola Aladese and others.
The show has received critical praise for its storytelling, moral themes and strong performances, marking another milestone for Adetiba after her acclaimed King of Boys franchise.
