Michaela Coel — the British-Ghanaian creator behind Chewing Gum and the BAFTA- and Emmy-winning I May Destroy You — is teaming up with A24 to write and direct a reimagining of the 1988 Jean-Claude Van Damme martial arts classic Bloodsport.
"I have long been in awe of fighters," Coel said of the project.
Why This Matters
Coel has become one of the most influential African diaspora voices in global entertainment. From her breakout Channel 4 comedy Chewing Gum to her critically acclaimed HBO series I May Destroy You — which she wrote, co-directed, executive produced, and starred in — she has consistently pushed boundaries in storytelling.
Her film career has included roles in Marvel's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and she is widely regarded as one of the most important creative voices to emerge from the UK in the last decade.
A24's Track Record
A24 has built a reputation for backing distinctive, auteur-driven projects — from Moonlight and Everything Everywhere All at Once to The Brutalist. Their partnership with Coel signals confidence in her vision to bring a fresh, original perspective to the martial arts genre.
The African Connection
Coel was born in London to Ghanaian parents and has spoken openly about how her Ghanaian heritage shapes her creative identity. Her involvement in a major studio reimagining of a beloved franchise underscores the growing influence of African and African diaspora creators in shaping global pop culture.
For African filmmakers, Coel's trajectory — from self-funded web series to HBO, Marvel, and now A24 — represents a powerful case study in building an international career while staying true to a distinctive creative voice.
Source: screendaily.com