In my last post on this a few days ago, I speculated that the reason why the film’s title had been changed from Things Fall Apart (what it’s been called from the start), to All Things Fall Apart, was that the company distributing the film (Image Entertainment) may have been influenced by the fact that the original title is also the name of a seminal, well-known piece of literature by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, and wanted to avoid further confusion or hassle.

Well, earlier today, Clutch Magazine reported that Achebe did eventually learn that the film had the same title as his novel, and went on the offensive. And in reaction to that, “producers tried to pay Achebe $1 million to keep the name, but he declined” as Clutch notes; and thus the name change.

Wow! A cool million dollars! Apparently, 50 Cent really wanted to keep the name, but it was likely decided that the fight and potentially negative PR weren’t worth it.

So, I guess everyone’s happy now.

Image Entertainment acquired USA rights to All Things Fall Apart (formerly known as Things Fall Apart), the inspirational sports drama directed by Mario Van Peebles and starring Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Ray Liotta, Lynn Whitfield, and Tracey Heggins.

Image is reportedly looking at an early 2012 theatrical run, followed by a home video release.

The film will also screen at the 2011 installment of the Urbanworld Film Festival which runs this week. I’m planning to see it there; and if I do, you can bet I’ll review it afterward.