Michaela Coel recently sat down with Collider to discuss her critically acclaimed film, "The Christophers," and her upcoming HBO series, "First Day on Earth." During the conversation, Coel shared invaluable insights gleaned from her esteemed co-star, Ian McKellen, and the visionary director, Steven Soderbergh, revealing how their approaches to filmmaking have profoundly influenced her own creative process.

In "The Christophers," Coel portrays Lori, a talented painter whose skills become central to a convoluted scheme orchestrated by the estranged children of the reclusive 1960s artist, Julian Sklar, played by Academy Award-nominee Ian McKellen. The Sklar siblings, Barnaby and Sally, hire Lori ostensibly as Julian’s assistant, but with the secret agenda of having her steal and complete his legendary series of unfinished canvases, known as the Christophers, in pursuit of a hefty inheritance. Coel's portrayal of Lori expertly navigates both quiet observation and astute assertiveness, particularly in a scene where she dissects the very nature of the Christophers, challenging Julian's perception of her. The film, a comedy-drama from Neon and director Steven Soderbergh, was uniquely penned by screenwriter Ed Solomon with both Coel and McKellen specifically in mind for the leading roles.

Coel recounted the profound learning experience of working alongside Ian McKellen, describing him as an electric presence. She highlighted McKellen’s rigorous method of scrutinizing a script, a practice she hadn't previously encountered or adopted herself. McKellen actively encouraged Coel to question the script, prompting her to rethink her conventional trust in written material. This interaction led Coel to a powerful realization: asking questions can significantly aid writers in refining and improving their scripts, moving beyond the actor's perceived role to become a valuable collaborator in the creative process.

Steven Soderbergh’s influence also left an indelible mark on Coel. She observed that Soderbergh’s secret to success lies in his unwavering confidence, his avoidance of overthinking or rumination, and his deep trust in every individual he employs. This high level of trust, Coel noted, creates an environment where performers feel empowered to trust themselves, fostering authenticity and strong performances on set.

These pivotal lessons are now being actively integrated into Coel's current ambitious project, the HBO drama series "First Day on Earth." In this ten-episode show, Coel is taking on multiple demanding roles: she is writing, co-directing (with the same partner from "I May Destroy You"), executive producing, producing, and starring. Despite the whirlwind of responsibilities, Coel expressed immense enjoyment and a sense of thriving under pressure, akin to an 'octopus' needing to provide in many directions. She is applying Soderbergh's philosophy of confidence and trust, empowering herself and her team.

Production for "First Day on Earth" is well underway, with approximately one-third of the filming completed. Coel indicated that the series is a lengthy commitment, spanning ten hours of content, and is anticipated to be released next year, with filming expected to conclude in September. Meanwhile, "The Christophers" is currently playing in theaters.