I’ve been through the wringer with my latest writing project, Supacell. As a seasoned showrunner with a few successful shows under my belt, I thought I had seen it all. But this one tested my mettle like never before.
[This story contains spoilers from season one of Supacell.]
Supacell can be seen as an heartfelt homage to the genres of drama, science fiction, Black creativity, and south London, yet it doesn’t follow the conventional path of a superhero tale.
As a long-time fan of British drama series, I can’t help but be thrilled by the success of “Snowfall” on Netflix. Having grown up with a love for gritty and authentic storytelling, I’ve seen my fair share of shows that failed to deliver. But Rapman’s six-part masterpiece has truly stood out from the crowd.
Andrei Onwubolu, also known as “Rapman” among friends and professionals, is a versatile talent hailing from the UK. He excels in four different areas: rapping, record production, screenwriting, and directing. Rapman gained recognition through YouTube with his rapping skills. In 2019, he made his writing and directorial debut with the critically acclaimed musical crime drama “Blue Story,” which was distributed internationally by Paramount. Simultaneously, he started brainstorming an idea for a TV show: “What if there existed a sci-fi series featuring characters from my background and exhibiting behaviors similar to mine, but they possessed extraordinary abilities?”
I’ve watched the captivating show, “Supacell,” and let me tell you, it’s a rollercoaster ride of emotions! The story begins with the formation of this extraordinary team in south London, consisting of five seemingly normal individuals. But little do they know, they possess extraordinary abilities that will soon turn their mundane lives upside down.
I set off in a desperate hunt for my fellow cast members. Among them is Nadine Mills, portraying Sabrina, the caring nurse who’ll stop at nothing to safeguard her sister. Little did she know, she possesses extraordinary abilities: telekinesis and flight! Then there’s Josh Tedeku as Tazer, a young gang leader grappling with his escalating rivalry against a ruthless kingpin, all while looking after his elderly grandmother. He also has the power of invisibility at his disposal. Calvin Demba plays Rodney, the hilarious cockney-accented weed dealer, who’s gained super speed. Lastly, Eric Kofi-Abrefa brings Andre to life; an ex-con hiding his newfound strength from his adolescent son as they work on mending their relationship.
At a later point, it is revealed that they all share a common characteristic: a parent suffering from sickle cell disease, an inherited blood condition which impairs the function of hemoglobin in red blood cells, thereby hindering their ability to transport oxygen effectively. This chronic illness can result in various complications such as strokes, infections, and excruciating pain episodes called crises. Notably, sickle cell disease disproportionately affects individuals with African or Caribbean ancestry.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Rapman shares his insights on why their groundbreaking Black-led production is revolutionizing the industry, transforming sickle cell into a unique ability, and hints at potential developments in a possible second season.
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In the heart of south London, we find an exhilarating tale penned by a Black writer. The superhero in this narrative goes by the name Supacell. Is he the pioneer of this genre?
In my opinion, some viewers have drawn comparisons to shows like “Misfits” or “Heroes,” or even “Gen V.” However, I believe what sets this series apart is its unique qualities. It’s set in south London and boasts a predominantly Black cast, making it distinct from others in the genre. We’ve seen countless iterations of this genre before, but “Supacell” feels fresh and new. The buzz surrounding it is strong because people don’t typically share word-of-mouth recommendations for something they’ve seen many times. This show may seem like a typical superhero series at first glance, but its grounded and gritty nature sets it apart and makes it truly special.
When did Supacell come to fruition for you? How far back does this idea go?
The first time I shared this idea was during an interview for BBC’s promotion of my film, “Blue Story.” When one of my cast members inquired about my future projects and whether I would continue telling the same type of stories, I responded by affirming my commitment to authentic characters. However, I’ve always pondered over an intriguing question: what if individuals from my background possessed extraordinary abilities? How would a typical person react when granted powers? Most people wouldn’t immediately don spandex and capes.
I wanted to do a show where you see real-life decisions made with these powers. And that started in 2019. I started creating it in 2020 and then lockdown… I’d be doing it between nine to five, because I was working on a movie at that time with Russell Crowe called American Son. So [with] Hollywood studios, they would wake up about five o’clock, and then I’d be able to call them for hours about the film. But I had nothing to do between nine to five [in the U.K.], so I started just creating. And then next thing I know, here we are. Four years later, it took a long time.
I’m thrilled to share that the response to the show has surpassed my expectations. In fact, I can’t help but think, “Yes, this is the recognition it truly deserves!”
I had high hopes for this outcome, and I confidently shared my optimism with the team, saying “It’s going to perform brilliantly.” Yet, the response from the audience has surpassed even my greatest expectations. The connection people have made with it in a general sense, as well as with the subjects such as sickle cell, is stronger than I could have imagined.
What were you trying to do differently with this show within the saturated superhero genre?
Based on the speaker’s words, it seems they have a unique perspective on the creation and portrayal of their show. They clarify that the media label of “superhero” was not their intention and instead, they wanted to focus on the flawed and selfish nature of human beings. As someone who has been deeply involved in creating this project, I can appreciate the challenge of staying true to one’s vision amidst external expectations. It takes a great deal of determination and creativity to bring complex characters to life that defy the typical hero archetype. The speaker’s experience likely involves navigating the industry and media scrutiny while holding onto their artistic vision, resulting in a product that is authentic and true to their intentions.
The reaction when people get their powers is much more natural. I wasn’t aiming for a superhero show. This was a drama sci-fi, rather than a sci-fi drama. If there was no powers, you’d still be entertained. The powers is like a little caveat that is just there. We never focused on the powers as much as we focused on the people. And I think it’s more of a character-driven show.
As a passionate gamer, I’ve got an impressive pile of ideas waiting to be explored in various genres like drama, sci-fi, and superpowers. While bringing these concepts to life, I made it a point to steer clear of worn-out tropes that have lost their charm over time.
In simpler terms, I didn’t intentionally steer clear of previously explored ideas in the genre of superhero and sci-fi dramas. Instead, I wrote a story that genuinely reflected my unique perspective.
As a seasoned writer with a rich background in storytelling, I have come to appreciate the power of familiar elements in my narratives. Personally, I find comfort in incorporating relatable themes and situations into my work, such as someone risking their life to save a loved one. However, I don’t limit myself to the cliché “saving the world” trope. Instead, I prefer to explore the depth of human emotions and relationships through this universal concept.
As a fan, I longed for a production that resonated with me personally. I wanted to engage with a show within my preferred genre, but one that authentically depicted the experiences of individuals from my background in south London. Their appearances, dialects, and journeys mirrored my own growing up.
Whereabouts in south London did you grow up?
Growing up in Lewisham made Deptford my hometown. While I lived all over Lewisham, located in southeast London, I attended primary school there and began my career. The high street depicted in the opening scene is a familiar place I would have to walk down daily to buy milk, eggs, and rice for my mum. Revisiting this location to shoot my TV show brings back fond memories.
As a long-time resident of the vibrant and eclectic boroughs that make up South London, I can’t help but feel a deep connection to this show that so vividly captures the essence of our community. For those Netflix viewers who may be unfamiliar with British culture or specifically, life in South London, some scenes might seem foreign or even alienating (for non-Brits, I strongly recommend turning on the subtitles).
We do call it, like, the seventh character. Yeah, you could put Supacell somewhere else. No doubt. We could do season two in the States, because sickle cell is everywhere. But the south London energy is unmatched. I’ve had people from the States say they want to come to south London. They want to come party in south London now. And that’s the south London that I remember, that energy you see in Supacell.
Typically, these shows are based in New York City or a made-up location. But I’d say, “London’s got it going on!” Why continually New York? Although we may be smaller, London’s streets and vibrant energy are extraordinary. Therefore, it was an excellent choice to begin the tale. It’s likely that Supacell will venture to other cities and countries. However, I’ve never encountered a show so authentically south London: the buses, the music on the streets, and the entire culture. As a native of south London, it felt right to portray the city I’m familiar with.
The novel’s characters encompass a wide range of experiences for Black individuals in south London. They depict aspects such as gang violence and a marijuana dealer, yet there are also the stable lives of a delivery driver and a nurse. Is Supacell attempting any social critique through these portrayals?
In my opinion, the program has a predominantly Black cast, but I wouldn’t label it as solely a Black production. It’s open to all audiences, and those who appreciate well-developed characters can find enjoyment in it. My intention was to portray the unique Black experience. As a Black British resident in London, I wanted to depict how we are viewed, the discourses that take place within our homes, the feelings of being represented at workplaces, and our presence in society as a whole.
What’s your view on the significance of having a Black-led production based in south London being featured on the global platform of Netflix?
As a Black woman who has grown up in the UK, I can relate to the struggles of representation and being underestimated based on my ethnicity. It’s always been a challenge to see ourselves reflected authentically on screen, with stories that resonate with our experiences. That’s why I believe the success of this high-end show, which tackles various subjects, including sickle cell, is a game changer.
As a passionate fan, I ponder over this potential development: What if Apple or Amazon take notice and exclaim, “We need one just like that!” The possibilities are endless, extending beyond Black representation to include other ethnic minorities. This could mark a significant shift in the entertainment industry, leading us to witness diverse families on screen – Asian families, for instance – and so much more. Representation matters deeply to all communities, as we long to see ourselves portrayed authentically. In the U.K., the sci-fi genre is notably lacking this diversity, particularly outside of Marvel and D.C. productions. It’s high time we embarked on a new journey in this realm.
Let’s discuss sickle cell disease instead, a condition that significantly impacts the lives of many individuals. What led us to focus on this topic?
When I began working on “Supacell” in May 2020, the news of George Floyd‘s tragic death shook the world, especially the Black community. It felt like an unbearable weight, adding to the long-standing injustices against Black people. I wanted to contribute in some way to uplift and support our community during this difficult time. I recalled thinking, “I will create a TV show.” At that moment, I had no inkling of the lengthy process television production entails. I was under the impression that “Supacell” would be released within a year. However, I needed to find the origins of the superpowers for my five characters to inspire and empower them.
I’ve always been puzzled by the fact that there are diseases that disproportionately affect people with darker skin tones. It never made sense to me – isn’t skin just a shade lighter or darker? Why should having darker skin make someone more vulnerable to this disease than anyone else? I remember thinking, if there’s something that makes dark skin weaker, why not flip it on its head and make it stronger, even superhuman? That thought led me to the idea of using this as a source of power.
Your cast is fantastic with great on-screen chemistry. Finding Michael, Sabrina, Taser, Andre, Rodney, and Dionne must have been challenging. Did they successfully embody the characters you had imagined?
In my casting choices, I was quite specific about who I wanted for the role of Rodney. I envisioned Calvin Demba in this part, as I found him fitting perfectly. I had seen him frequently on television in a series called “Youngers.” I was drawn to him and thought, “I want this actor to portray Rodney.” At that time, I didn’t know Calvin personally. I simply reached out and searched for him. Previously, I had collaborated with Andre, who later played the character of Eric. Based on my experience working with him, I knew that Andre would excel in the role of Rodney due to his abilities and versatility.
After searching long and hard for Michael, we finally found him in the company of everyone else. To be honest, I’d been reviewing tapes for years, and then, when Tosin walked in, I just knew he was the one. His audition was flawless, and he took direction effortlessly. Similarly, Adelyao caught my attention with her audition tape, but she had to go through the formalities of an actual audition for Netflix. From the moment they entered the room together, their chemistry was electric.
Nadine was a recent addition to the project. Originally, someone else had been chosen for the role of Sabrina, but they ended up leaving to pursue other opportunities. Nadine was suggested by someone and came in for an audition. She impressed us with her callback after callback over the past two weeks and secured the role. As for Tazer’s role, many young British actors tried out, including Josh, who had stood out among hundreds of hopefuls. I hadn’t met Josh before, so a big thanks to our casting director Isabella Odoffin for bringing both Nadine and Josh to our attention.
As a gamer, I’ve watched Dionne and Krazy, played by Ghetts, meet their demises in the game’s climax. Yet, in the world of suspenseful genres, nothing is ever as it seems. Could it be possible that one or both of these characters might make a comeback?
As someone who has spent countless hours invested in the intricate worlds of fictional television shows, I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment when a cherished character meets their untimely end, only to reappear alive and well in the next episode. Don’t get me wrong, I adore Jon Snow from “Game of Thrones,” but the frequent use of resurrection as a plot device has begun to feel repetitive and predictable.
In episode six, Michael appears drastically changed from how he was in episode one. Particularly noteworthy is his vow for retaliation in the last scene against the person responsible for Dionne’s demise. Could it be that this new version of Michael is propelling the storyline forward?
In other words, there came a moment when Dionne’s death wasn’t inevitable. Each episode revolves around their efforts to return to their own time or leave the island behind. They have now accomplished this feat. The second season presents an entirely new scenario. I often explain to people that the first season of “Supacell” served as its origin story, setting the stage for what followed – much like “Batman Begins.” If we’re fortunate enough to produce a second season, viewers will witness the true unfolding of events – the thrilling and intense “The Dark Knight” experience.
So you originally went into this thinking Dionne was going to make it out?
In my initial concept, I planned to keep Dionne alive and have Michael understand that the only method to truly protect her is by staying away from her, as her peril stems solely from him. In the last episode, there was a scene where she’s weeping profusely – tears streaming down her face due to the lies and deceit… He inhales deeply and simply tells her, “I don’t feel about you the way I used to, I no longer believe you’re the one for me.” That instant where he lies to shield her and she departs, both are left single, and he weeps. It was intended to be a heartwarming conclusion, until Netflix intervened with, “That’s sweet. She needs to die.” My disappointment in the absence of a second season arises from my decision to eliminate Dionne, as it transforms Michael into an entirely new character and alters the narrative.
Having binge-watched “Game of Thrones” over the past few months, I must admit that my perspective on television has been forever changed after witnessing the infamous Red Wedding. As someone who grew up with the comforting notion that there’s a certain set of rules and boundaries in the world of TV, seeing this shocking turn of events left me utterly speechless.
Have you had any confirmation on a season two of Supacell?
We haven’t received confirmation yet. Fingers crossed that word continues to spread and we generate sufficient interest, but at this point, I can’t guarantee anything for certain.
Have you already a plan in mind for what we can expect from season two?
As a writer who has gone through the intricate process of developing character arcs for my lead and supporting cast, I can confidently say that while I have a solid understanding of their motivations and goals for the upcoming season, there’s still an immense amount of unexplored territory that requires deep reflection. My life experience has taught me that creating compelling and authentic characters is a complex endeavor, one that involves constant introspection and growth. The journey to fleshing out these intricacies is both exhilarating and humbling, as I delve deeper into the rich tapestry of their lives.
Based on the given text, it seems the speaker is expressing anxiety and apprehension about making a commitment in a relationship, fearing potential disappointment or heartache. The use of phrases like “scared to sit down with it and marry it” and “just to get a phone call a week from that [to say it won’t be happening]” suggests a past experience of heartbreak or unfulfilled expectations. The speaker also mentions having the foundations in place, but needing approval or confirmation before moving forward. This could indicate a desire for security and stability in a relationship. Overall, the text conveys a sense of caution and uncertainty, likely shaped by the speaker’s past experiences and emotions.
If you could have a Supacell power, which one would it be?
You’d prefer having all of Michael’s abilities except for time travel. The thought of traveling to the future is unsettling as I might witness unpleasant events such as the death of loved ones or the downfall of my career. I don’t want these unwelcome surprises. Even if I’m successful now, imagining a bleak future would hinder my focus and progress. I’d rather stumble upon it unaware. Time travel back to the past, yes, but time travel to the future, no. However, I do enjoy his powers of teleportation and freezing moments in time.
Supacell is now streaming on Netflix.
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2024-07-17 00:27