Michaela Coel’s new drama First Day on Earth announced by BBC

Michaela Coel’s new drama First Day on Earth announced by BBC

As a die-hard fan of Michaela Coel, it feels like Christmas has come early! The news about her new drama, First Day on Earth, is a breath of fresh air that’s been long overdue. Her journey from Chewing Gum to I May Destroy You has been nothing short of remarkable, and it’s thrilling to see her continue pushing boundaries with yet another captivating series.


Clearly, with the global recognition I May Destroy You received, it’s understandable that Michaela Coel’s followers have been eagerly anticipating updates about her upcoming work.

Today’s a great day because the BBC has just revealed a new drama titled “First Day on Earth.” Michaela Coel, who created and starred in shows like “I May Destroy You” and “Chewing Gum,” is not only acting in this series but also serving as its creator. Additionally, she will be an executive producer for the show too.

The upcoming series is collaboratively produced by A24, a renowned entertainment company recognized for their contributions to films such as Everything Everywhere All At Once, Midsommar, and Uncut Gems, along with TV shows like Euphoria, Beef, and Dreaming Whilst Black.

In a fresh and captivating twist, the first day of the sci-fi drama will introduce Coel as an author grappling with self-discovery and creative blocks. Her journey unfolds as she journeys to her parents’ birthplace, Ghana, in search of inspiration and identity. Moreover, this intriguing series boasts a 10-episode run, with production slated to commence the following year.

Michaela Coel’s new drama First Day on Earth announced by BBC

According to the official summary: “Henri, a writer from Britain, finds herself in a rut. Her work is scarce, her relationship lacks spark. When an opportunity arises for a film project in Ghana, West Africa – a land where her estranged father resides and her roots lie – she jumps at the chance to rekindle ties with her heritage and her father.”

However, upon her arrival, neither the job nor her father meet her expectations, leading Henri into encounters with peril and deceit. She forges new relationships, discards her preconceived notions, and crafts a fresh identity – one that could make her stronger, yet potentially shatter her.

Upon the unveiling of the series, Coel expressed her joy by stating: “I’m thrilled to collaborate with VAL, the BBC, HBO once more, and to team up with A24. I am grateful for their collective discernment, attention, and skill, as it gives me confidence that our production is in capable hands.”

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve found the journey of crafting FDOE thus far to be an intimately captivating experience. I eagerly look forward to venturing into the next phase, with the ultimate goal of presenting this as another enriching television tale for those who wish to join Henri on a thrilling odyssey!

Following the debut of I May Destroy You in 2020, Coel has made appearances on our screens in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and as a guest star in Mr & Mrs Smith for Amazon Prime Video. However, the esteemed writer and actress has maintained a relatively modest presence since the success of her HBO series.

In May of this year, it was announced that Michaela Coel will no longer be developing the series connected to I May Destroy You. Executive producer Phil Clarke explained to Deadline that “we felt there wasn’t much more to add” to the story, implying that after delving into it a bit, we concluded that the tale had reached its conclusion.

On the first day, the executive producers Phil Clarke and Roberto Troni (from Various Artists Limited) expressed their joy and gratitude for having Michaela create her remarkable new series with them. They were thrilled because of the exceptional collaboration they had on “I May Destroy You.”

Once more, Michaela presents an exceptionally unique narrative, intertwining England and Ghana through the eyes of a British-Ghanaian woman in her second generation. This character, inspired by her parents’ homeland, embarks on a journey back to Ghana, meeting a cast of unforgettable individuals and experiencing events that compel her to confront some deeply rooted truths about home.

However, much like Michaela, the experience is both surprising, amusing, and indelible – always delivered uniquely by her.

The announcement precedes this week’s Edinburgh TV festival and the unveiling of First Day on Earth, with BBC Drama director Lindsay Salt expressing: “Michaela possesses an extraordinary talent that has long captivated me. It’s shows like I May Destroy You that made me eager to be part of the BBC team!”

In the debut of “First Day on Earth,” Michaela has crafted yet another must-see series – one that is uniquely her own, brimming with emotion, humor, poetic flair, and a storytelling style that only she possesses. I’m eager for everyone to experience it!

First Day on Earth will be coming to BBC One and iPlayer.

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2024-08-19 17:34