Michaela Coel’s upcoming series, First Day on Earth, has assembled a fantastic cast. Like her acclaimed show I May Destroy You, this new 10-part drama is a collaboration between HBO and the BBC. Joining the project are Ncuti Gatwa (known for Doctor Who), Thandiwe Newton (Anaconda), Maxine Peake (I Swear), and Danny Sapani (Halo), and filming is now officially underway.
Warner Bros. Discovery announced the cast: Ncuti Gatwa will play Darren, Jessica Newton will be Anya, Hayley Peake will portray Helen, and Kwaku Sapani will play Earnest. A24 is producing the project, and Jesse Armstrong, the creator of Succession, is an executive producer. Michaela Coel, Sam Miller, Phil Clarke, and Roberto Troni are also executive producers.
The series First Day on Earth centers around Henri, a woman escaping her past, a difficult relationship, and an unsettling encounter from a book tour. Returning to Ghana, the land of her ancestors, she experiences a fresh start filled with new friendships, love, and happiness. However, she also uncovers family secrets and lies, forcing her to re-evaluate everything she thought she knew about her background. Michaela Coel, who wrote, directed, and stars in the series, shared her excitement about this new project.
I’m thrilled to be collaborating with VAL, HBO, and the BBC once more, and to be working with A24 for the first time. Their combined creativity and dedication have given me confidence that the show is in excellent hands. First Day On Earth is a deeply personal story, and I hope it resonates with viewers worldwide. I’m excited for audiences to experience Henri’s story.
But First, Michaela Coel Encounters ‘Mother Mary’
BBC One & HBO
While preparing to finish her new film, First Day on Earth, 38-year-old actress and writer Coel is also anticipating the release of Mother Mary, a psychological thriller she filmed with director David Lowery (The Green Knight) over the summer of 2024. Mother Mary is set to premiere in theaters on April 17th and also stars Anne Hathaway, Hunter Schafer, and Sian Clifford.
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Anne Hathaway stars as a famous pop singer preparing for a major comeback performance. The night before the show, she reconnects with Sam Anselm (Janelle Coel), her longtime best friend and former costume designer. The nature of their reunion is currently unclear, but director Zach Lowery has hinted that the film will be surprisingly complex and emotionally impactful, as he revealed at the Melbourne International Film Festival.
I’ve been asking myself, ‘What exactly did I create?’ I know what I intended to make, and I believe I achieved that, but the final result is truly unexpected. I’m confident it will evoke strong reactions from viewers, and in many different ways. It feels deeply personal and authentic to me, yet it continues to surprise me with elements I never planned.
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2026-02-12 20:48