Michaela Coel, the creative mastermind behind the smash hit series ‘I May Destroy You’, has decided to move on from developing a series with direct links to her acclaimed show. While BBC drama director Piers Wenger had mentioned three years ago that Coel was working on a project connected to the ‘I May Destroy You’ universe, it seems that those plans have now been set aside. In a recent conversation with Deadline, EP Phil Clarke revealed that Coel had considered various ideas for what was initially referred to as “I May Destroy You 2” but ultimately opted against pursuing it further.
‘I May Destroy You’, which premiered in the midst of a global pandemic in 2020, quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Loosely based on Coel’s own experience of being sexually assaulted, the show follows a young writer navigating life after a traumatic event. The genre-defying series captured audiences around the world and garnered critical acclaim, winning multiple awards including Emmys and BAFTAs. Its impact was so significant that it was voted as one of the top 50 programs of the past 50 years by the UK’s Broadcasting Press Guild.
Since the success of ‘I May Destroy You’, Michaela Coel has been exploring new avenues in her career. From starring in blockbuster films like ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ to taking on roles in highly anticipated projects such as Amazon’s ‘Mr & Mrs. Smith’ remake, Coel has shown her versatility as an actress. She is currently set to lead David Lowery’s ambitious pop drama ‘Mother Mary’ alongside Anne Hathaway, showcasing her range and talent on screen.
While the decision to not pursue a direct follow-up to ‘I May Destroy You’ may come as a disappointment to fans, it reflects Coel’s commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new creative challenges. By choosing to move away from the established universe of her previous success, Coel is demonstrating her willingness to evolve and grow as an artist. The recent buzz surrounding ‘I May Destroy You’ in light of projects like Netflix’s ‘Baby Reindeer’ only serves to underscore the lasting impact of Coel’s groundbreaking series.
Michaela Coel’s decision to forego a continuation of ‘I May Destroy You’ in favor of exploring fresh creative endeavors is a testament to her artistic vision and commitment to innovation. As she continues to captivate audiences with her talent and storytelling prowess, it is clear that Coel is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.