Supacell is not just another superhero story. This six-part series, currently topping Netflix’s global television list with nearly 12 million views, is a heartfelt tribute to drama, sci-fi, Black talent, and south London. Its creator, Rapman, wants fans to know this distinction. Rapman, whose real name is Andrew Onwubolu, is a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry, known for his work as a rapper, record producer, screenwriter, and director.
Rapman’s journey to fame began on YouTube through rap, and he made his writing and directorial debut with the 2019 feature film Blue Story, a musical crime drama that gained international distribution through Paramount. Around that time, Rapman began developing a television series that posed an intriguing question: “What if there was a sci-fi where people are from my background and act like me, but they’ve got powers?” This idea eventually evolved into Supacell.
Supacell follows the lives of five seemingly ordinary people in south London who discover they possess extraordinary abilities. The show’s protagonist, Michael, portrayed by Tosin Cole, is a delivery driver who gains the power to teleport, freeze time, and travel through time. He is thrust into the future, where an older version of himself reveals that he must unite a group of similarly gifted individuals to defeat ominous hooded figures hunting them, or else his fiancée Dionne (Adelayo Adedayo) will die.
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The cast also includes Nadine Mills as Sabrina, a nurse with telekinesis and the ability to fly; Josh Tedeku as Tazer, a young gang leader with the power of invisibility; Calvin Demba as Rodney, a weed dealer with super speed; and Eric Kofi-Abrefa as Andre, an ex-con with super strength trying to reconnect with his teenage son.
A key element connecting these characters is a parent with sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder affecting hemoglobin’s ability to carry oxygen, leading to complications such as stroke, infections, and severe pain crises. This condition disproportionately affects people of African or Caribbean heritage. Rapman’s decision to incorporate sickle cell disease into the storyline adds a layer of depth and authenticity to the show, highlighting an often overlooked aspect of Black health.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Rapman discussed the significance of Supacell as a Black-led show and its impact on the industry. He also touched on how the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent global protests influenced his work, stating that the events fueled his determination to create something powerful and meaningful.
“George Floyd’s death was a turning point for many of us,” Rapman explained. “It made me realize the importance of representation and the need to tell our stories in a way that resonates with our community and beyond. Supacell is a game-changer because it puts Black talent at the forefront and tells a story that is both entertaining and significant.”
Rapman is hopeful for a second season, although it has yet to be confirmed. He hinted
