The Many Faces of Ella Purnell: A Star on the Rise
Ella Purnellâs journey through Hollywood feels like one of those movies where the hero goes from âwhoâs that?â to âwhoa, itâs her!ââexcept it’s not a movie. Itâs real life. Born in London on September 17, 1996, Ella Purnell has swiftly transitioned from the West End stage to starring in major blockbusters and popular TV shows, and she’s not slowing down anytime soon.
The Early Days: A West End Star in the Making
Long before she hit the big screen, Ella was dazzling audiences in the West End, where she started her acting career. Yep, the West End, aka Londonâs answer to Broadway. Her breakout role came in the musical adaptation of Oliver!, where she shined as one of the young ensemble members. The spotlight loved her, and clearly, so did the casting directors. It wasnât long before film producers came knocking.
Stepping into the Big Leagues with Never Let Me Go
Ellaâs first major film role arrived in 2010, when she was cast as the young version of Keira Knightleyâs character in the dystopian drama Never Let Me Go. The movie, based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, had Purnell showing off her acting chops as young Ruth, blending innocence with an underlying sadness. This wasnât your typical âkid actorâ role, and Purnell delivered with depth well beyond her years. Not bad for a teenager!
From Gothic to Gritty: Miss Peregrineâs Home for Peculiar Children and Churchill
By 2016, Ella had proven she wasnât just a one-hit wonder. She landed the role of Emma Bloom in Tim Burtonâs gothic fantasy Miss Peregrineâs Home for Peculiar Children. As a girl with the ability to control air and float (because walking is overrated), Ellaâs performance was full of charm, wit, and a touch of whimsyâjust like the film itself. The movie put her firmly on the radar of both fans and Hollywood bigwigs.
But she wasnât done. In 2017, Ella switched gears and tackled the gritty war drama Churchill, where she played Helen Garrett, Winston Churchillâs secretary. From gothic fantasy to serious historical drama, Ella proved she could do it all. One minute sheâs floating through a Tim Burton world, and the next sheâs navigating the political minefields of WWII Britain. Talk about range!
Going Global with Netflixâs Army of the Dead and Arcane
Fast forward to 2021, and Ella was ready to take over Netflix. She starred in Zack Snyderâs zombie-heist film Army of the Dead as Kate Ward, a role that saw her battling the undead with a fierce determination (and some impressive weapon skills). Army of the Dead wasnât just a chance to kick zombie butt; it also gave her global exposure, as the film became a massive hit on the streaming platform. Fans loved it, and they definitely loved Ellaâs fearless performance.
Then came Arcane. You know Arcane, right? The animated series set in the world of the wildly popular video game League of Legends? In it, Ella voices Jinx, one of the central characters. Voicing Jinx allowed her to dive into a completely different kind of roleâunhinged, unpredictable, and utterly captivating. Arcane was a hit, and Jinx became one of the standout characters. Ellaâs voice acting was lauded for bringing layers of emotion and chaos to the character, proving that sheâs just as formidable in the booth as she is on screen.
TV Royalty: Yellowjackets
Just when you thought Ellaâs rĂŠsumĂŠ couldnât get more impressive, she joined the cast of the hit show Yellowjackets in 2021. Playing the young version of Jackie, one of the survivors of a plane crash, Ella delivered a powerful performance as a teenage girl grappling with trauma, friendship, and survival in the wilderness. Yellowjackets became a cultural phenomenon, and Ellaâs portrayal of Jackie earned her praise from critics and fans alike. Honestly, if you havenât binged Yellowjackets yet, what are you even doing with your life?
A Multi-Talented Star
Ella Purnell isnât just an actressâsheâs also involved in charity work and has lent her time and voice to important causes. On top of that, sheâs expressed interest in getting more involved behind the camera, hinting that directing might be in her future. Who knows, maybe one day weâll be watching an Ella Purnell-directed blockbuster! (Fingers crossed.)
The Future Looks Bright (and Possibly Superpowered?)
Whatâs next for Ella? Well, rumor has it she might be joining the MCU. Nothingâs confirmed yet, but with her growing star power and ability to seamlessly blend into any genre, it wouldnât be surprising if we see her donning a superhero cape in the near future. Whether sheâs voicing animated characters, starring in action-packed zombie flicks, or delivering heartfelt performances in dramatic roles, Ella Purnell is one to watch.
With a career thatâs already filled with an eclectic mix of projects, Ella is proof that versatility is key in todayâs entertainment landscape. Keep your eyes on this rising star, because one thingâs for sureâElla Purnell is just getting started.
Be sure to read "SHOCKING: D.C. Douglas Exposes Truth About 101 Voice Actors!"
