Entertainment
I May Destroy You star Paapa Essiedu: ‘It’s better to quit than return for series 2’
The actor believes the series achieved what it set out to (Picture: BBC)
I May Destroy You star Paapa Essiedu has spoken about the possibility of the show coming back for a second series, saying that ‘it might be better to quit’ than return.
The 12-part drama based on Michaela Coel’s own experience of sexual assault became one of the most note-worthy dramas of last year, shaping the conversation around consent and marking a groundbreaking moment for British TV.
Despite reports that Coel was in talks to make another series earlier this summer, actor Paapa, who starred as Kwame, has poured cold water on the possibility of more episodes arriving in the future – saying that the show had already achieved everything it set out to.
Speaking to Metro.co.uk and other gathered press at the The South Bank Sky Arts Awards about the idea of a second series, the actor said: ‘I wouldn’t hold your breath.’
He added: ‘When we were making the show, it wasn’t with the intention of it becoming an ongoing piece. It was a story that we wanted to tell within those 12 episodes, and I think we felt quite satisfied with where we got to.’
The actor went on to say: ‘I’m actually really happy with it. I feel like we got a piece of the story of those characters’ lives. Sometimes, it’s actually more exciting to allow the potential for what they may become. It’s maybe better to quit.’
The actor starred as Kwame in the acclaimed series (Picture: BBC)
Michaela wrote I May Destroy You after being inspired by her own sexual assault (Picture: BBC)
Discussing the reaction the show received from viewers, sparking important cultural discussions, the 31-year-old added: ‘It felt good to be involved in something that spoke to people at that moment in time. We’ve spent a lot of time thinking and revealing stories. So it’s a real privilege to see how people are responding.’
It comes after I May Destroy You was confirmed as one of the biggest winners at the Baftas, taking the prize for mini-series, as well as leading actress for Coel, who delivered a moving speech about the importance of having intimacy coordinators on set.
Coel wrote the script after being inspired by her own sexual assault, which took place when she starred in E4 comedy Chewing Gum.
More: Michaela Coel
Like Arabella, Coel had her drink spiked and was only aware of the attack after being stung by flashbacks.
As well as I May Destroy You, Paapa has also had starring roles in shows such as Gangs of London and Anne Boleyn alongside Jodie Turner-Smith.
I May Destroy You is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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