By: Renae Richardson
Michaela Coel is stepping outside her comfort zone and preparing to make a bold move into the martial arts genre. The exciting news? She’s set to tackle a reimagining of the late 1980s classic Bloodsport.
Who Is Michaela Coel?
For those unfamiliar, Coel is a supremely talented creative who has steadily built her reputation in the industry one project at a time. Born Michaela Ewuraba Boakye-Collinson, she hails from England and has been working in the entertainment world for over a decade. She first captured widespread attention with her original series Chewing Gum, which she wrote, produced, and starred in. She maintained that momentum with the 2021 series I May Destroy You, serving in those same capacities.
Her work has earned recognition from both audiences and critics alike, making her an award-winning, history-making creative. According to Britannica,
“She became the first Black woman to win an Emmy Award (2021) for outstanding writing in a limited television series.
However, this was hardly her first groundbreaking achievement. Coel was making history long before Hollywood came calling, Britannica notes
She was the first Black woman admitted to the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London in five years.
That is one of many firsts for this creative spirit. Coel has consistently operated at the highest level of excellence.
The Bloodsport Project
Coel continues to navigate the industry with remarkable versatility, fully committing her talents to every role she takes on. Now she’s expanding her portfolio with a reimagining of Bloodsport, the action-thriller centered on martial arts. The 1989 original starred action icon Jean-Claude Van Damme. According to Gonzo Magazine,
“The story of Bloodsport follows Frank Dux, a military operative who goes AWOL to honor his Shidoshi by fighting in the Kumite: a full-contact martial arts tournament held in Hong Kong every five years.”
The film proved career-defining for Van Damme. As Gonzo Magazine explains,
“When Bloodsport was released, it made a star of Van Damme overnight, grossing $50 million worldwide on a measly budget of $2.3 million. It helped a dwindling Cannon Films add a win to their catalogue after a series of failed movies, and it also brought about the resurgence of the martial arts movie craze.”
Coel’s Vision
Coel is now attempting to revive this successful property. Given her background, some may view this as outside her wheelhouse or a significant departure from her previous work—potentially seeing it as a negative. However, Coel possesses both the vision and confidence to pursue the unexpected. As reported by Blexmedia, Coel stated:
“I have long been in awe of fighters, and astounded by the discipline, intensity and isolation the sport demands of them. I am excited to explore this world, especially so with A24 as my collaborators. LET’S F*CKING GO.”
One of the greatest assets to any film’s success is the passion and commitment of those working to bring it to life. Coel has all the necessary ingredients to create something worth watching.
Excellence is as Excellence Does
Michaela Coel. Image Source: Sophy Holland for Variety
While specific plot details remain scarce, more information will likely emerge as the project develops. This represents a celebration of stepping outside the box, taking risks, expanding one’s abilities, and pursuing passion regardless of outside opinions. Coel exemplifies what the true pursuit of excellence can achieve.
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