Ella Purnell, the British actress who has captivated audiences worldwide, continues to redefine her career with bold choices that transcend conventional boundaries. Following her remarkable portrayal as the ill-fated queen bee Jackie Taylor in the critically acclaimed survival thriller “Yellowjackets,” the world watched as Purnell ascended to stardom. Her recent endeavors show no signs of slowing down, reaffirming her place as one of Hollywood’s most promising and versatile talents.
Purnell’s debut came in 2010 when she took on the role of young Ruth in Mark Romanek’s film adaptation of “Never Let Me Go,” sharing the screen with Keira Knightley. This marked the beginning of what looked to be a flourishing career. Her impressive performances in projects like the flavorful New York City-set series “Sweetbitter” and Zack Snyder’s adrenaline-pumping “Army of the Dead” won her accolades. However, Purnell’s life catapulted onto a new trajectory after “Yellowjackets,” and not long after, she captured fans’ imaginations as the voice behind Jinx in the steampunk animated series “Arcane.”
Taking on the lead role of Lucy MacLean in Amazon’s highly acclaimed 2024 series “Fallout,” which secured a staggering 16 Emmy nominations, Purnell cemented her status as a powerhouse performer. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the show places Purnell at the center of a gripping story that’s captivated viewers and critics alike. As anticipation builds for the second season, Purnell remains in the spotlight, but she’s once again surprising her fans by diving into an entirely new genre.
Her latest venture “Sweetpea” sees her not only starring but also producing the adaptation of CJ Skuse’s 2017 novel. The show charts the journey of the socially-awkward Rhiannon Lewis who, after years in the shadows, spirals down a dark path of vengeance and serial killing. Choosing to don the skin of a wronged murderer was no ordinary decision, but for Purnell, it was an irresistible challenge. Speaking over a virtual chat, she expressed her delight at exploring the intricacies of Rhiannon’s twisted yet fascinating journey in this dark comedy.
Purnell candidly shared that she had never faced much commentary on the striking nature of her eyes until after her youthful role in “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
.” Incredibly self-aware, she reminisces about reading reviews and being described as having the “eye-to-face ratio of a giant squid” at just 18, a remark she admits impacted her self-confidence. Despite these moments of vulnerability, Purnell stands unfazed, displaying inspiring resilience and a keen ability to laugh off negativity.
With a reflective gaze, Purnell explored the recurring theme of complex female characters across her roles, acknowledging a possible subconscious draw towards such narratives. For her, acting is an arena where comfort zones are best left unvisited. She yearns for roles that spark curiosity, encourage growth, and allow her to work alongside remarkable talents on projects that are both innovative and enriching.
“Sweetpea” demanded intensive preparation—a labor of love, according to Purnell. Her commitment to authenticity meant every detail had to capture the essence of Rhiannon. From orchestrating her room’s décor, hairstyle, and even the tiniest personal quirks like her character’s choice of milkshake, Purnell and the creative team created a vivid world into which viewers are drawn. This meticulous dedication to character crafting, she asserts, is integral to making Rhiannon not only believable but empathetic, despite the character’s morally challenging actions.
The journey to embody Rhiannon included extensive collaboration with the show’s creative masterminds like director Ella Jones whom Purnell reveres. Finding a kindred spirit in Jones, Purnell notes that their collective passion and understanding of the character background enriched the storytelling experience exponentially.
As she gracefully bids adieu to the vibrant chaos of “Arcane” and its influential character Jinx, Purnell celebrates the enriching experience that the show has been—both personally and professionally. She shares a fun tidbit that the premiere date of “Sweetpea” coincidentally aligns with Jinx’s fictional birthday, October 10, adding a whimsical touch to her journey.
Her new series “Sweetpea” is currently streaming, offering weekly episodes on JoCinema Premium, promising audiences a narrative blend of dark humor, psychological complexity, and Purnell’s trademark nuanced performance. As she continues to evolve and take her career by storm, Ella Purnell is an actress who defies expectations and sets her own trail—a luminous beacon in the realm of storytelling.
