Michaela Coel is building out the world of her highly anticipated new drama First Day on Earth, with HBO and the BBC adding 20 recurring and guest cast members to the series.
The project marks Coel’s return to television following her groundbreaking, Emmy-winning series I May Destroy You—and if this latest casting news is any indication, she’s assembling a dynamic, globally rooted ensemble.
Among the newly announced names is musical artist Amaarae (born Ama Serwah Genfi), who will make her acting debut as Nana. She’s joined by a mix of rising and established talent, including Bukky Bakray (Rocks) as Sunny, Rakie Ayola (Kaos) as Maame, and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (Wonka) as Steve.
Additional cast includes Ray BLK as Jacqueline, Adam Lundgren as Asger, Dan Skinner as Chris, Fisayo Akinade (Heartstopper) as Adekunle, Jameel Buari as Ronald, Sam Delich as Klubeck, and Daniella Arthur-Kennedy as Gladys.
The ensemble continues to expand with a strong Ghanaian lineup, including Sarkodie (real name Michael Owusu Addo) as Sarkodie, Joselyn Dumas as Jessica, Sister Deborah as Ama, Adjetey Anang as Edmund, Akofa Edjeani as Athena, Roselyn Ngissah as Eresi, Akrobeto as Honam, and Godwin Namboe as a police officer, alongside Lady Jay appearing as herself.
They join a previously announced cast led by Coel, alongside Thandiwe Newton, Maxine Peake, Danny Sapani, and Ncuti Gatwa.
What the Series Is About
Written by Coel, First Day on Earth centers on Henri, a British-Ghanaian novelist who finds herself running—not just from her life and relationships, but from herself. Her journey takes her to Ghana, her ancestral homeland, where she’s immersed in a new environment filled with connection, joy, and layered relationships.
But as Henri begins to settle into this new world, she’s also forced to confront buried truths, complicated family dynamics, and questions about identity, belonging, and heritage.
Behind the Scenes
The series is co-produced by HBO and BBC, with A24 also on board.
Coel serves as writer and executive producer, alongside Sam Miller, Jesse Armstrong, Phil Clarke, Roberto Troni, and Jo McClellan. Miller will also direct episodes with Coel, while Johann Knobel is set to produce.