Michaela Coel, the talented force behind hits like *Chewing Gum* and *I May Destroy You*, recently shared her thoughts on the art of storytelling and the creative process in an interview with PEOPLE. With her new films, *The Christophers* and *Mother Mary*, both set to make their mark, Coel is looking to leave a significant impact on audiences.
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Coel expressed a desire to create work that resonates deeply with viewers, stating, “What I would love to do is stimulate people’s organs… shock your senses and stun you and remind you you’re alive.” This ambition stems from her own life experiences, which inform the richness of her narratives. Her journey as a creator has not been without its challenges, as she candidly acknowledged, “Writing is dark… It’s lonely and it’s dark.”
Despite the hurdles of the writing process, Coel maintains that crafting her stories remains an arduous but fulfilling task. The 38-year-old star remarked that while she enjoys her daily routine, which includes making coffee, reading, and spending time with family and friends, the writing itself requires significant effort. “On an ideal day, why would I do that? It’s really hard,” she quipped, highlighting the contrast between her creative aspirations and the reality of the work involved.
Coel’s rise to prominence began with her semi-autobiographical series, *Chewing Gum*, which was informed by her upbringing in East London and her experiences as a Ghanaian Christian. Bringing her unique perspective to the forefront, she found that audiences were eager for authentic and diverse voices. “People appreciated hearing something that they haven’t heard before,” she explained, which also rang true for her next major work, *I May Destroy You*. This miniseries, inspired by a profoundly personal trauma, solidified her place in the industry and made her the first Black woman to win an Emmy for writing a limited series.
Her new roles in *The Christophers* and *Mother Mary* see her exploring complex characters—an underrated artist working to make ends meet and a couturier grappling with betrayal, respectively. Coel remarked on the pain her characters feel, stating, “Both these characters are kind of pained and in the shadows… calcified by invisibility or neglect.” Despite these themes, Coel herself appears to find joy in her career, stating, “Gosh, I’ve just had the most lovely time in this industry.”
Interestingly, Coel shared that while her characters’ struggles may mirror her past feelings of inadequacy, her experiences have been different. She discussed how her time at the university, where she was one of the few Black women, left her with a sense of not fully belonging. Yet, it has also propelled her to shine a light through her work, suggesting that the darkness of writing is counterbalanced by the vibrancy of acting in others’ stories.
Looking ahead, Coel has several exciting projects in the pipeline, including directing a remake of the classic martial arts film *Bloodsport* and writing a new series titled *First Day On Earth*, which will explore a novelist’s journey to reconnect with her father in Ghana. However, she emphasises that her next moves often feel less like choices and more like the stories calling to her. “I’ve learned that I don’t really decide what to do next. The thing calls me up and chooses me,” she explained.
As audiences take in her latest films, *The Christophers* and *Mother Mary*, now showing in cinemas, it’s clear that Michaela Coel continues to redefine narratives in the entertainment industry. By drawing on personal truths and tapping into collective emotions, Coel leaves an indelible mark with every project, reminding us all of the urgency and significance of storytelling.