Ella Purnell Leads Dark Comedy ‘Sweetpea’ and Expands Into Producing

The television series “Sweetpea,” based on the novels by CJ Skuse, marks a new chapter for Ella Purnell as she takes on a leading role both in front of and behind the camera. The series premiers at 9pm on Sky Atlantic. Purnell, known for her roles in “Yellowjackets” and Amazon‘s “Fallout,” stars as Rhiannon, a character who unravels into a series of murderous actions in a show that blends dark comedy with gore. The series is anticipated to capture audiences as it follows Rhiannon’s tumultuous journey through a challenging life, which includes being bullied and dealing with family illness.

Purnell’s involvement in “Sweetpea” extends beyond acting, as she has taken on the role of executive producer, a first in her career. In an interview conducted in a café near her East London residence, she described her deep involvement and excitement about the project. “I really put everything into this—it’s the most I’ve ever put into a project,” Purnell stated, expressing both nervousness and eagerness for the public’s reception.

Her journey into production follows her directorial debut of the short film “Junk Male,” and she was drawn to “Sweetpea” during a meeting with Patrick Walters, producer of “Heartstopper.” The series, dubbed as “Fleabag meets Dexter,” offered her an opportunity not only to star but to engage creatively from script development to set design. Purnell noted how important it was for her to not just have a vanity credit, but to genuinely contribute to the narrative and production.

Ella Purnell’s career began at a young age, with her screen debut in “Never Let Me Go” and roles in films like “Kick-Ass 2” and “Maleficent.” Recently, she has gained critical acclaim for her performances in “Fallout” and “Yellowjackets.” Alongside her acting, she aims to shape her creative path with plans to establish a production company and work on more directing projects.

The potential for “Sweetpea” to continue after its initial season remains open, with its first six episodes set to unfold Rhiannon’s story. Purnell expressed a desire to continue exploring her character’s journey, saying, “I hope it does because I don’t think we’re done telling Rhiannon’s story.” Whether “Sweetpea” will see more seasons remains contingent on its reception, as Purnell considers further production ventures and prepares for the upcoming season of “Fallout.”