Rapman’s ‘Supacell’ Challenges Superhero Tropes with a Dose of Reality

Rapman has always dreamt of creating a unique superhero story. Known for his passion for the genre, Andrew Onwubolu—better known as Rapman—recently shared with CNN that he’s long wanted to explore superpowers in a more believable way. He’s been intrigued by the common superhero trope of acquiring powers and then donning a cape, but questioned the practicality of such a lifestyle.

This quest for realism, even within a fantastical framework, led to the creation of the popular Netflix series "Supacell". As the creator and showrunner, Rapman’s vision shines through in this series set in south London, where a group of Black individuals suddenly gain superpowers and must navigate their new abilities while one man strives to save his girlfriend.

While some might compare “Supacell” to Marvel’s "Black Panther" or similar titles, Rapman draws a closer parallel to the American sci-fi series "Heroes". Unique to the UK, the show stands out for its diverse cast and London setting, marking a significant shift in the sci-fi genre. Rapman hopes this success will inspire more similar projects.

Despite the predominantly Black cast, Rapman prefers the show to be recognized simply as a good show, not a “Black show.” He draws inspiration from his favorite series, such as "The Wire", appreciating layered and realistic storytelling.

Rapman’s motivation to create “Supacell” was also influenced by the 2020 death of George Floyd and the subsequent global protests. He aimed to produce a series where Black characters are powerful and untouchable, contrasting with the harsh realities faced by many.

As fans await news of a potential second season, Rapman is torn between continuing with “Supacell” or pursuing new projects. He’s eager for Netflix to make a decision about the show’s future so he can plan his next steps.