After captivating audiences as the ill-fated Jackie Taylor in the gripping thriller series “Yellowjackets,” Ella Purnell’s trajectory towards stardom seemed inevitable. Now, with her piercing eyes and compelling performances, the London-born actress appears poised to take the entertainment world by storm. Purnell, who first caught attention in the 2010 film “Never Let Me Go,” alongside Keira Knightley, has steadily built her career with roles in notable productions like the New York-centric series “Sweetbitter” and Zack Snyder’s adrenaline-filled zombie heist film “Army of the Dead.” Her star power further skyrocketed post-“Yellowjackets” with a voice role in the animated steampunk series “Arcane.” However, it was her casting in the Amazon series “Fallout,” an adaptation of the beloved post-apocalyptic video game, that truly propelled her into the limelight.
In “Fallout,” Purnell takes on the lead role of Lucy MacLean, a performance that has not only resonated with fans but also earned the series glowing critical acclaim, resulting in an impressive 16 Emmy nominations. As anticipation builds for the impending second season, Purnell decisively embraced another challenge by starring in and producing the darkly comedic thriller “Sweetpea.” This new venture, based on CJ Skuse’s 2017 novel, sees Purnell step into the shoes of Rhiannon Lewis, a socially awkward introvert who spirals into a shocking killing spree.
Choosing Purnell, a 28-year-old actress with a seemingly incongruent image, for the role of a vengeful murderer might raise eyebrows. Yet, it is precisely this dichotomy that drew Purnell to “Sweetpea.” In an exclusive Zoom interview, she expressed the joy she found in delving into Rhiannon’s complexities and in shaping her character’s radical transformation. Delighted by the character’s journey from anonymity to notoriety, Purnell relishes the opportunity to portray a character so unlike herself.
Reflecting on her career trajectory, Purnell revealed an amusing anecdote that dispels any assumptions about her perceived recognition.
. “The whole eye thing wasn’t even on my radar until I worked on ‘Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.’ I made the mistake of Googling reviews, and a comment likening my eyes to those of a giant squid stayed with me. But really, people don’t often mention it to me,” Purnell admitted with a shrug. Her willingness to embrace diverse and challenging roles seems to mirror an underlying pattern in her career, one she acknowledges yet is still uncovering. Rather than being drawn to roles that mirror past performances, Purnell seeks out projects that compel her to explore fresh avenues and collaborate with inspiring individuals.
The making of “Sweetpea” was an intricate process, one in which Purnell was deeply involved from the outset—approximately 10 months before filming even began. Her early involvement allowed for an enriching collaboration with the creative team, including costume, hair, and makeup departments, to meticulously craft Rhiannon’s essence. Purnell eagerly engaged in brainstorming discussions about minute details, from designing Rhiannon’s living space to choosing her outfits—discussions that eventually became instrumental in breathing life into the character. Her gratitude for the collaborative team effort shines through, particularly highlighting the collaborative synergy with the director, Ella Jones, whom Purnell praises for her profound understanding of the character.
Beyond her excitement for “Sweetpea,” Purnell expresses a nostalgic fondness for her voice role as Jinx in the animated series “Arcane,” acknowledging its pivotal influence on her career. The dual nature of Jinx as both a cherished and challenging character is a testament to Purnell’s talent and versatility as an actress—a sentiment further underscored by a heartwarming coincidence that “Sweetpea” was released on Jinx’s birthday, October 10.
For cinema enthusiasts eager to witness Purnell’s latest performance, “Sweetpea” is now streaming on JoCinema Premium, with new episodes released weekly. As she continues to diversify her roles and embrace the complexities of each character, Ella Purnell stands as a formidable force in the entertainment industry, on her path to global stardom.
