LONDON – In a dazzling career trajectory that could best be described as a meteoric rise, Ella Purnell has steadily climbed the Hollywood ladder, emerging as one of the most promising talents of her generation. Her journey, marked by poignant performances and a thirst for challenging roles, encapsulates the essence of an artist who doesn’t just settle for the easy task. Purnell’s rise to fame was perhaps most significantly fueled by her captivating portrayal of Jackie Taylor in the critically acclaimed survival thriller series, “Yellowjackets.” Since then, the London-born actress has expanded her repertoire with a suite of compelling roles, culminating in the recent announcement that she will take the helm in “Sweetpea,” a thriller that is sure to push boundaries.
Purnell’s acting career took off in 2010 with her debut in Mark Romanek’s “Never Let Me Go,” where she played a young version of Keira Knightley’s character, Ruth. Over the years, she honed her craft in a variety of diverse roles, including stints in the New York City-set restaurant drama “Sweetbitter” and in Zack Snyder’s action-packed “Army of the Dead.” Yet, it was her spellbinding performance in “Yellowjackets” that truly spotlighted her immense potential. As she ventured further into uncharted territories, voicing a character alongside Hailee Steinfeld in the animated steampunk series “Arcane,” her star continued to shine ever brighter. But it was with the lead role in “Fallout,” an adaptation of the beloved post-apocalyptic video game series by Amazon, where Ella Purnell became a household name.
The series’ first season, released to widespread acclaim, not only grabbed viewers’ attention but also garnered an impressive 16 Emmy nominations. Central to “Fallout’s” success was Purnell’s portrayal of Lucy MacLean, imbuing the character with complexity and depth. Despite the heavy anticipation surrounding the forthcoming second season, Purnell has turned the heads of many with her decision to step into the shoes of Rhiannon Lewis in “Sweetpea,” a character quite unlike any she has portrayed before.
“Sweetpea,” based on CJ Skuse’s 2017 novel, explores the life of a socially awkward introvert who abruptly embarks on a spree of serial killings. Purnell, at 28, is an unconventional choice for such an intense role; however, it appears that this challenge is precisely what drew her in.
. During a candid conversation over Zoom, Purnell shared her fascination with the dark comedy’s development and the intricate transformation of her character.
Reflecting on her journey and the recurring themes in the roles she takes on, Purnell remarked on the surprising parallels between her characters. “I never really realized there was such a thread running through these last few characters. It’s definitely not something I deliberately or consciously chose; it might just be my subconscious trying to tell me something,” she mused. Her approach to selecting roles remains deliberate, focusing on projects that present novel challenges and new learning opportunities.
Purnell, who is also a producer on “Sweetpea,” emphasized the importance of crafting a believable character arc for Rhiannon Lewis. “We wanted audiences to get into Rhiannon’s head, to feel her emotions and also face moral dilemmas when her actions turned sinister,” she explained. In preparation for the role, she immersed herself in the character’s world, from detailing Rhiannon’s choices right down to the type of milkshake she orders. This meticulous attention to character detail extends to her collaboration with the creative team months before filming began, working closely on all aspects of Rhiannon’s persona.
Alongside her growing filmography, Purnell bid an emotional farewell to another significant character she bodied—Jinx in “Arcane.” Her enthusiasm and sentimentality were apparent as she reminisced about this chapter of her career. “I really will miss her so much! It’s slightly heartbreaking, but we had such a good run,” she said, acknowledging the personal and professional growth her work on the series afforded her.
With “Sweetpea” currently streaming, Purnell’s repertoire continues to expand, capturing the attention of audiences worldwide with each new release. As she continues to challenge herself and explore new frontiers, Ella Purnell is undeniably a name to watch.
