Following her standout portrayal of Jackie Taylor in the gripping survival thriller Yellowjackets, actress Ella Purnell has firmly established herself as a formidable presence in Hollywood. With her expressive eyes and versatile acting skills, the London-born star is seemingly poised to conquer the entertainment world. Having made her film debut as young Ruth opposite Keira Knightley’s adult version in Mark Romanek’s Never Let Me Go in 2010, Purnell has steadily honed her craft through various roles, including appearances in the New York City restaurant drama Sweetbitter and Zack Snyder’s action-packed Army of the Dead. However, it was her roles in Yellowjackets and as the voice alongside Hailee Steinfeld in the critically acclaimed animated series Arcane that launched her career into hyperdrive, culminating in her casting as the lead in the much-anticipated Fallout series.
The Amazon adaptation of the popular post-apocalyptic video game series Fallout quickly earned its place as one of the standout shows of 2024, receiving an impressive 16 Emmy nominations. At the heart of the series is Purnell’s character, Lucy MacLean, whose journey captivates audiences. As fans eagerly await more adventures in the forthcoming season, Purnell is set to surprise her audience with another captivating project.
In her latest endeavor, she stars in and produces Sweetpea, adapted from CJ Skuse’s 2017 novel. This dark comedy thriller follows Rhiannon Lewis, a socially awkward introvert who embarks on an unexpected and violent journey. In an exclusive interview over Zoom, Purnell shares her excitement about taking on the role of Rhiannon, a choice that underscores her commitment to tackling diverse and challenging characters.
“I was drawn to the project’s dark comedic tone and Rhiannon’s transformative journey,” Purnell affirms, explaining the allure of portraying such an unconventional character. She reflects on her early days in the industry, humorously remembering her experiences with her wide-eyed roles. “It’s funny you mention how my eyes are often talked about because, until doing Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, it wasn’t even on my radar. After making the mistake of Googling reviews, I came across one that compared my eyes to a giant squid,” she chuckles, recognizing the impact it had on her youthful confidence.
Purnell has found resonance in playing characters with similar emotional arcs, even if unintentionally. “It’s not something I consciously chose,” she admits. “There seems to be a connection across these roles that perhaps my subconscious is trying to tell me.
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Currently prioritizing projects that challenge her and offer collaborative opportunities, Purnell expresses gratitude for her career trajectory. “These days, I’m eager for projects that push my boundaries. It’s about learning, growing, and working with talented people who inspire me. I’m incredibly fortunate, and it just seems like serendipity that these roles found me.”
The commitment to authenticity in Sweetpea shines through as Purnell details the meticulous preparation behind Rhiannon’s character. “We invested considerable time into developing this character. Making audiences empathize with Rhiannon, despite her morally conflicted actions, was crucial,” she reveals. By determining elements such as the car Rhiannon drives or her preferred milkshake, Purnell ensured that even without the script, the essence of Rhiannon’s world remained intact.
Reflecting on the pre-production phase, Purnell appreciates the collaborative effort involved in crafting Rhiannon’s persona. “I was fortunate to be involved about 10 months before filming began. It allowed us to thoughtfully design everything from Rhiannon’s room to her hairstyle and footwear,” says Purnell, who speaks with admiration for the team, singling out director Ella Jones. “Ella is incredibly detailed in her understanding of Rhiannon, probably more so than me at times!”
As Purnell bids farewell to Jinx, her character in Arcane, she acknowledges the profound impact the role has had on her career and personal growth. “I’ll miss Jinx dearly. It’s bittersweet to see it end, but voicing her shaped me profoundly,” she shares. A piece of trivia that brought a smile to her face is that Sweetpea’s release coincided with Jinx’s birthday, an enjoyable nod to her past work.
Sweetpea is currently available for streaming on JoCinema Premium, with new episodes dropping weekly. Through her projects, Ella Purnell continues to challenge herself, captivating audiences with her dynamic and evolving repertoire.
