Julius Onah, born February 10, 1983, in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, stands out as a leading Nigerian-American director, screenwriter, and producer. He advanced from a diplomat’s son with a worldwide upbringing to direct Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World (2025), highlighting his shift from indie films to major studio releases.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Julius Onah |
| Date of birth | February 10, 1983 |
| Place of birth | Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian-American |
| Partner | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Filmmaker (director, screenwriter, producer) |
| Net worth | ~$5 million |
Early Life and Education
Born to Nigerian diplomat Adoga Onah, he spent his childhood in places like the Philippines, Nigeria, Togo, the United Kingdom, and eventually Arlington County, Virginia.
He completed high school at Washington-Lee High School, obtained a B.A. in theater from Wesleyan University, and earned an M.F.A. in filmmaking from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts as a Dean’s Fellow and Jack Kent Cooke Scholar.
Career
Onah launched his career with The Girl Is in Trouble (2015), his NYU thesis film executive-produced by Spike Lee, and continued with The Cloverfield Paradox (2018) under J.J. Abrams.
His film Luce (2019) debuted at Sundance to strong reviews, and he co-wrote Bad Genius (2024). He directed Captain America: Brave New World (2025) while leading Open Continents, which produces global short films featured at festivals such as Berlin and Sundance.
Personal Life
Onah keeps details about his partner and children private, with no public information available. He shares an identical twin brother, Anthony Onah, who is also a filmmaker, along with three older sisters; the family navigated difficulties like financial strain during his father’s time in North Korea.
Net Worth
Julius Onah’s net worth sits around $5 million, stemming from directing prominent films including the $180 million-budgeted Captain America: Brave New World. This estimate reflects earnings from both independent and studio endeavors, though precise financial details stay undisclosed.
Filmography
Onah’s major feature films include:
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | The Girl Is in Trouble | Director/writer/producer |
| 2018 | The Cloverfield Paradox | Director |
| 2019 | Luce | Director/writer/producer |
| 2024 | Bad Genius | Writer |
| 2025 | Captain America: Brave New World | Director/writer |
| TBA | Samo Lives | Director/writer/producer |
He has also produced notable shorts like Goodbye Chicken, Farewell Goat (2010).
Awards and Recognitions
Luce received Independent Spirit Award nominations, such as Best Director, and NAACP Image Award recognition for Outstanding Independent Motion Picture. Onah secured a Sundance Grand Jury Prize nomination, Filmmaker’s 2010 New Faces of Independent Film honor, and a spot on Forbes’ 2013 list of African Celebrities to Watch.
