Ella Purnell: Giving Voice to Arcane and Body to Fallout

Ella Purnell: Giving Voice to Arcane and Body to Fallout

The Many Faces of Ella Purnell: A Star on the Rise

Ella Purnell’s journey through Hollywood feels like one of those movies where the hero goes from “who’s that?” to “whoa, it’s her!”—except it’s not a movie. It’s 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 London’s 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 wasn’t long before film producers came knocking.

Stepping into the Big Leagues with Never Let Me Go

Ella’s first major film role arrived in 2010, when she was cast as the young version of Keira Knightley’s 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 wasn’t your typical “kid actor” role, and Purnell delivered with depth well beyond her years. Not bad for a teenager!

From Gothic to Gritty: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and Churchill

By 2016, Ella had proven she wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. She landed the role of Emma Bloom in Tim Burton’s gothic fantasy Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As a girl with the ability to control air and float (because walking is overrated), Ella’s performance was full of charm, wit, and a touch of whimsy—just like the film itself. The movie put her firmly on the radar of both fans and Hollywood bigwigs.

But she wasn’t done. In 2017, Ella switched gears and tackled the gritty war drama Churchill, where she played Helen Garrett, Winston Churchill’s secretary. From gothic fantasy to serious historical drama, Ella proved she could do it all. One minute she’s floating through a Tim Burton world, and the next she’s navigating the political minefields of WWII Britain. Talk about range!

Going Global with Netflix’s Army of the Dead and Arcane

Fast forward to 2021, and Ella was ready to take over Netflix. She starred in Zack Snyder’s 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 wasn’t 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 Ella’s 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 role—unhinged, unpredictable, and utterly captivating. Arcane was a hit, and Jinx became one of the standout characters. Ella’s voice acting was lauded for bringing layers of emotion and chaos to the character, proving that she’s just as formidable in the booth as she is on screen.

TV Royalty: Yellowjackets

Just when you thought Ella’s résumé couldn’t 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 Ella’s portrayal of Jackie earned her praise from critics and fans alike. Honestly, if you haven’t binged Yellowjackets yet, what are you even doing with your life?

A Multi-Talented Star

Ella Purnell isn’t just an actress—she’s also involved in charity work and has lent her time and voice to important causes. On top of that, she’s expressed interest in getting more involved behind the camera, hinting that directing might be in her future. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll be watching an Ella Purnell-directed blockbuster! (Fingers crossed.)

The Future Looks Bright (and Possibly Superpowered?)

What’s next for Ella? Well, rumor has it she might be joining the MCU. Nothing’s confirmed yet, but with her growing star power and ability to seamlessly blend into any genre, it wouldn’t be surprising if we see her donning a superhero cape in the near future. Whether she’s 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 that’s already filled with an eclectic mix of projects, Ella is proof that versatility is key in today’s entertainment landscape. Keep your eyes on this rising star, because one thing’s for sure—Ella Purnell is just getting started.