British actress Ella Purnell, known for her standout roles in the post-apocalyptic series Fallout and the gritty survival thriller Yellowjackets, recently made a surprising revelation about her aversion to horror films. Despite her success in blood-soaked TV hits, Purnell admitted that she struggles with watching horror and has a low tolerance for gore. “I don’t know how any of this has happened!” Ella Purnell said in a recent interview, expressing her bewilderment at being cast in such intense roles.
This ironic twist has only added to Ella Purnell’s appeal, as her ability to deliver chilling performances contrasts sharply with her personal tastes. Fans are intrigued by how someone who “can’t do horror” can convincingly embody characters that endure traumatic, bloody ordeals. Her natural on-screen presence and talent for diving into complex, often dark characters, has propelled her to fame despite her off-screen hesitations.
From Humble Beginnings to Hollywood Starlet
Ella Purnell’s career didn’t begin in the world of gore and survival. Before she was playing haunted survivors and navigating dystopian worlds, the London-born actress was known for her more subdued roles. Her breakout came with Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and Sweetbitter, where she portrayed characters with depth and vulnerability, far from the violent scenarios she now often finds herself in.
Though her current projects delve into much darker themes, Ella Purnell’s acting journey reflects a versatility that few can match. Her transition from more whimsical and coming-of-age roles into intense psychological thrillers like Yellowjackets has showcased her capacity to adapt and thrive in any genre, even those that make her uncomfortable.
Behind the Scenes of Yellowjackets and *Fallout
Working on Yellowjackets, Purnell plays the deeply troubled character Jackie, navigating the psychological trauma of a plane crash that forces the survivors into unthinkable situations. Similarly, her role in the highly anticipated Fallout series, based on the iconic video game franchise, thrusts her into a dystopian world filled with post-nuclear warfare, where violence and chaos are a part of everyday life.
Though the on-screen brutality might be hard to watch, Ella Purnell revealed that the atmosphere on set is quite the opposite. “It’s a lot more light-hearted than people might think,” she mentioned, explaining that the camaraderie among the cast helps balance the intensity of the material. This support system is crucial for Purnell, given her admission that horror isn’t her genre of choice.
Handling Gore On and Off Screen
For someone who “can’t handle too much gore,” Ella Purnell’s immersion into bloody scenes is all the more impressive. Her roles in Fallout and Yellowjackets require her to face disturbing imagery and situations regularly, yet she has managed to give powerful performances that make her characters’ pain and struggle feel authentic.
Purnell has admitted that distancing herself from the content is part of her process. “You have to find a way to separate yourself from the character,” she said, noting that after a day of shooting, she prefers to unwind with much lighter material. Purnell’s ability to balance her professional life with personal boundaries is key to sustaining her career in such demanding roles.
Purnell’s Reflections on Fame and Career Growth
Despite her success, Purnell remains humble and somewhat bewildered by her career trajectory. “I don’t know how any of this has happened,” she said, reflecting on the unexpected turns her professional life has taken. Her rise to fame in roles that contrast so sharply with her personal preferences suggests a level of serendipity, as well as immense talent and hard work.
The actress is candid about how she never expected to be part of such violent, intense productions. Yet, she embraces the challenge, seeing it as a way to stretch her acting capabilities. “It’s definitely not what I imagined, but I wouldn’t change a thing,” she added, speaking on how the roles she once feared have now become her defining moments.
What’s Next for Ella Purnell
With both Fallout and Yellowjackets cementing her status as a versatile and captivating actress, fans are eager to see what’s next for Purnell. While she may steer clear of horror films in her personal viewing habits, there’s no denying her ability to thrive in those very settings as an actor. As she navigates her growing career, Purnell hinted at a desire to explore other genres, particularly ones that aren’t so heavy on the gore.
“I’d love to do a comedy next,” she shared, laughing at the idea of a complete genre shift. “Something light, something fun.” Whether it’s a light-hearted role or another dark, emotionally charged performance, Purnell’s future in Hollywood looks bright. She’s proven she can handle whatever comes her way—even if it’s covered in blood.
