Michaela Coel Unites with BBC, HBO, and A24 for Captivating New Drama 'First Day On Earth'

Welcome to the magical realm of television where Michaela Coel is about to embark on an adventure that’s more thrilling than finding a parking space in downtown Manhattan. Yes, indeed! Coel, the multi-talented luminary, is gearing up to write, star in, and executive produce *First Day On Earth*, a 10-part series full of promise—like a warm croissant that seems to whisper sweet nothings with every flaky bite. Filming is set to commence next year, proving that good things truly come to those who wait (and perhaps enjoy their coffee slowly in the meantime).

This stunning new series will be produced by Phil Clarke and Roberto Troni’s *Various Artists Limited* for the BBC, in what we can only describe as a match made in cinematic heaven, co-produced with HBO. If you thought the collaboration of Warner Bros, Studiocanal, and Paramount was merely a minor subplot, think again! Ah, the beauty of entertainment partnerships, rivaling any rom-com love story.

Now, let’s waltz over to the less-than-starry metrics of the UK-Ireland box office for October 2024. Ah, sweet summer child, they’ve dipped 17% compared to last year, as if someone accidentally spilled soda all over the popcorn of 2023’s grand plans. This dismal performance means we’re seeing a year-to-date decline of 11%. Yes, you heard that right! The underwhelming response to *Joker: Folie À Deux* has dragged everything down like a lead balloon at a children’s birthday party.

The box office total for 2024 stands at a mere £799.1 million, while the past year's figure gracefully waved goodbye at £1.1 billion. Still, the films keep rolling in! In the spirit of persistent optimism, *Folie À Deux* debuted as the top film in October, raking in £10.2 million right out of the gate, having opened with a respectable—albeit underwhelming—£5.6 million. But let’s face it: compared to the original *Joker* which mind-boggled £58.3 million in 2019, this feels like finding out the cake you thought was chocolate is actually fruitcake. Not quite the sweet success everyone was hoping for.

In a delightful twist, Dreamworks Animation’s *The Wild Robot* cozily nestled itself into second place with £9.5 million, proving that not all heroes wear capes—some simply imitate animated woodland creatures. It seems to be the best-performing animation of the month—like the star of the school play who can really belt out the big notes. Meanwhile, in a darkly charming turn of events, *Terrifier 3* emerged as the highest-grossing film ever for Signature Entertainment, taking seventh place with a cool £3 million.

Let’s not overlook the little engine that could, *The Substance*, which has now graced the top 10 two months running. In a commendable performance, it logged £1.8 million in October and is shaping up to be Mubi’s highest-grossing title ever, proving that if at first you don’t succeed, perhaps sliding into your second month’s success is, well, good enough.

Adding a sprinkle of political drama, Studiocanal has *The Apprentice* in eighth place and *The Outrun*, starring Saoirse Ronan, just squeaking in at tenth. It’s as if they’re playing a game of cinematic musical chairs, but none of the new releases have managed to break into the year-to-date top ten, which is occupied by *Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes* waving defiantly from its cozy spot with £15.8 million.

As we brace ourselves for what’s to come in November and December—and oh, how we must brace—a slate of award contenders, including *Anora* and *Blitz*, will be crucial to avoid a December of despair. *Paddington In Peru*, debuting on November 8, needs quite the climb toward the impressive £38 million and £42.6 million of its predecessors. Just remember, dear readers, the performance of *Gladiator II*, *Wicked*, and *Moana 2* will be keenly observed as little lifeboats for the floundering box office.

The numbers may be grim at times, but in the unpredictable world of film, each release is a lesson in hope and resilience, because who knows when the next blockbuster will find its way into the hearts of movie-goers craving stories that speak to the depths of our absurd yet beautiful existence? Let’s keep the popcorn hot and the anticipation bubbling!