How scientifically accurate is Supacell? Explained 

Netflix's latest superhero drama, Supacell, is a one-of-a-kind superhero series that's unapologetically South London. It stands out among the cohort of white superheroes we usually see on screen and comes primarily from the lens of American idealism, leaving the marginalized unexplored.

The word Supacell is a play on the word sickle cell, an inherited blood disorder primarily affecting people of African or Caribbean descent. The show weaves a story out of this disorder, drawing a connection between sickle cell and superhero powers.

Combining elements of superhero drama with challenges of the marginalized Black people, this Netflix series is an interesting twist given to regular superhero stories.

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How factually accurate is the interpretation of a superhero story from Sickle Cell in Supacell?

The series seeks to be an empowering exercise for individuals affected by sickle cell disease. While spinning a superhero story on it, the show also explores the challenges those with the diseases are faced with, especially those from not-so-privileged backgrounds.

The series introduces Michael's mother, a patient with sickle cell, who's being urged by Michael to go to a specialty sickle cell disease facility. The treatment would include cutting down the blood transfusion process. It's a standard procedure to deal with a diseases that affects a person's red blood cells.

Michael's mother hesitates, not because she doesn't trust the science behind it but because of the cost such treatments entails, which reflects largely on the reality of sickle cell disease patients. Even with numerous treatments available, the cost of these treatments are very difficult to afford for most patients.

Supacell series writer/creator Rapman says that while other superhero shows and movies don't usually give the reason behind the powers or take up a highly unscientific approach in explaining the root of the powers, Supacell thought over everything from when the gene was first activated.

Conditions of physical or psychological stress can very often trigger a pain crisis in someone with sickle cell disease. In the show, these triggers activate the heroes' powers, too. For example, when Sabrina needs to defend her sister from the predator outside the nightclub, her powers get activated under such stressful circumstances.

The heroes' eyes glow a yellowish color when their powers are activated. It comes from the fact in advanced stages of the sickle cell diseases, the patient's eyes turn yellow too.

Even Jasmine's healing powers are drawn from real-life cures to the diseases. While merely touching a sickle cell patient is not enough to cure them, donating bone marrow can often be a very fruitful effort in the cure.

The series is a well thought out and scientifically accurate but obviously dramatized presentation of a superhero story.

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More about the Netflix series

Supacell follows the story of five South Londoners who unexpectedly discover that they have superpowers. Across the six episodes of the series, these five new superheroes come to terms with and adjust to the powers while learning to control them.

They learn to apply their powers to their everyday lives. While they are doing so, they are also contending with a mysterious agency that seeks to capture, control and even kill them. Unlike the usual superhero stories, Supacell comes to a close with the characters grappling with the fact that despite their superpowers, the world is not so easy to change.

Series creator Rapman, while talking about his unique plotline, told Netflix Tudum in an interview:

“I want to tell a story about powers, but with normal people (who have) relationship problems, problems with their children, problems with their siblings, problems at work, problems on the streets.”

Supacell is on Netflix with its first season airing on June 27, 2024. Rampan has also hinted at a second season, which will be announced soon.

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Watch this space for more updates on Supacell.