So I started off wanting something that empowered us.
Here’s some of our chat!
A superhero-esque show is always on people’s minds, but this is quite special.
“I just wanted to do something that empowered Black people at the time, because we were just down in the dumps. So I started off wanting something that empowered us.”
What was the inspiration that brought it to life?
For me, I’m a big fan of the superhero stuff.
I’ve been watching Marvel and DC.
I used to collectX-Mencards.
I was slightly a nerd, secretly, when I was younger for things like that.
So, I always wanted to see powers in the real world.
And I think shows got close.
Shows likeHeroes, Misfitsmade me think, I’ll see where they’re going.
So, I suppose it always sat in the back of my head.
But at that time, I didn’t know how to bring it to the screen.
And I don’t even call it a superhero show.
It’s more like normal people with powers..
But it was always a passion because I’m a massive fan of just the super-powered superhero genre.
At what point did the sickle cell part come into it?
Rapman:From early on.
So, it formed in lockdown when theGeorge Floydstuff was going on.
Like, man, go down to Trafalgar Square, have a picket sign, or do something.
And in them days, I didn’t know how TV worked.
I’d think, okay, I want to write this show now.
I wanted the show to come out at the end of the year, as my tribute.
Four years later, obviously, I didn’t know it took so long.
It was just like the straw that brought the camels back.
You know the one that was just a cherry on top?
So, I started off wanting something that empowered us.
I never understood something that only hurts black people.
So I said, how can I make this something that can switch it around?
I made the title years ago, and that was one thing that never got pushed back.
Netflix loved it from the jump.
They just loved the whole sickle cell, supercell comparison, and it just stuck forever.
Rapman:Yeah, that’s why I wanted to get a bonus.
Living with sickle cell is hard, but if it means your child becomes super, thats a win.
So, I was wanting something to boost people up, and the biggest thing was to raise awareness.
So Tosin, when you got the script and you saw the idea, what drew you to it?
Tosin:The characters and all the individual stories.
You know a Sabrina.
You know a Charlene.
You know an Andre.
And I was like, yeah, I can see this kind of happening.
And I just wanted to be a part of it and tell the story.
And I’m from South London as well, so it’s only right!
Speaking of which, youve had a mix of American and British roles.
What are the biggest differences you see working in the US compared to the UK?
Tosin:Funny thing.
Prior toSupacell,I hadn’t used my own original accent in years.
Even if you’re watchingDoctor Who, I’m from Yorkshire.
I think over in the UK, there’s stuff there, but it’s limited almost.
There’s not as much opportunity to kind of showcase different roles.
I mean, not a no-brainer.
It took me a while to kind of figure it out.
I just wanted to be a part of it.
But, yeah I’m happy I made my decision, I think it’s really good.
Another part of the series obviously plays on conspiracy theories that we’ve heard in the past.
So, what conspiracy theories do you believe in?
Rapman:That’s a rabbit hole, you know.
I’m always deep in there.
Honestly, I’m the pop in of person that I don’t dismiss anything 100%.
Because I don’t know.
I don’t believe.
Someone’s looking at something somewhere.
So, for me, I believe in that.
Well, speaking of conspiracy theories, do you guys remember Negro Solstice Day?
Rapman:I do remember Black people getting ready to get superpowers on a certain day.
I remember hearing that!
If you were to get powers, firstly, what powers would you want to get?
And then also, what would be the first thing that you would do?
Rap Man:I want Michael’s powers, that’s why I wrote him!
Those are the powers that I think are the most important for me.
I don’t like travelling, but I like going places.
I don’t like being late, but I tend to be late the odd time.
If I need to be somewhere, I’m there.
And I love the whole freezing as well.
Honestly, the powers I wrote for his character, are the most convenient, to me.
Like, you might do anything with that.
There’s just so many things you’re able to do with that power.
We might be leaking a bit of season two right now.
But in general, his power, to me, it can cause the most damage.
So with great power comes great responsibility, but why can people just get powers and vibe?
Rapman:That’s the thing with our characters none of them are trying to save the world.
They are vibing, but they’ve got issues.
They’re not really heroes at all.
But you just never know.
Tosin:I think we’ve got a bit of everything for everyone.
I’m very confident with the show.
Rapman:I want everyone to love it, but I made a show that I love.
You know what I’m saying?
I made something that I would watch and feel like it’s entertaining.
So, I want the world to take it in.
And I think exactly what Tosin said, there’s something on the menu for everyone.
