‘It Wasn’t Just A Vanity Credit’: Ella Purnell On Turning Producer For Upcoming Serial Killer Comedy Sweetpea

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As an ardent admirer of Ella Purnell, I must say her transformation from a gifted actress to a dedicated producer is nothing short of inspiring. Her journey, marked by her relentless pursuit of creative opportunities and her willingness to take on new roles both in front of and behind the camera, is truly commendable.

Actress Ella Purnell is venturing into production with the upcoming comedy series about a serial killer titled Sweetpea. Famous for her role in the Amazon Prime drama Fallout, she discussed her project with Variety, sharing amusing tales about the development of the show. After having recently directed her short film Junk Male, Purnell was looking for an opportunity to flex her creative muscles.

She remembered arranging discussions with imaginative individuals, one of whom was Patrick Walters, the executive producer of the popular Netflix show Heartstopper. This initial encounter was primarily about her sharing her preferences for the kind of content she wanted to contribute to.

As I listened to the ideas being tossed around, it was “Sweetpea” that truly captivated me, I must confess. Walters was keen on having Purnell join us, not merely as the lead of this intriguing project, which he described as a blend of Fleabag and Dexter, but also as an executive producer. The moment I heard those words, I knew the responsibility that came with that title wasn’t something to be taken lightly. Frankly, it was crucial — absolutely vital — to me that it wasn’t just a symbolic gesture, but a genuine opportunity for collaboration and growth.

The narrative of Sweetpea centers on Rhiannon (Purnell), a girl often disregarded, who eventually reaches her breaking point and contemplates murdering those who have slighted or wronged her. In an interview with the outlet, Yellowjackets actress Purnell shared that the show’s creators sought an actor deeply invested in the project, as they recognized the need to fully understand “this woman’s perspective” to effectively tell such a story.

As an enthusiast delving into the world of serial killer films, I’ve noticed that not many focus on female serial killers. Intrigued by this unique perspective, I eagerly sought to delve deeper into these aspects as they likely reveal distinct psychological profiles compared to their male counterparts. Yet, my curiosity almost gave me a startling reality check when, during my research, I inadvertently spooked my neighbor so much that she quickly shifted her baby away from me.

She recounted, “I said something like, ‘Oh, I’m really sorry, but I’m currently investigating – it’s work-related… I swear I’m not some horrible creature,'” she wasn’t entirely sure how convincing she came across. However, Purnell didn’t just stay in front of the camera for the thriller; she also moved significantly behind it, showing an equal amount of dedication.

Additionally, to grow her opportunities as a producer, she intends to establish her own production firm. Yet, she’s unsure about when she’ll discover her “creative network” in London. What she truly desires is to encounter her creative counterpart with whom she can collaborate for an extended period.

Sweetpea will be released on October 10 on Starz and Sky Network. 

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2024-10-10 16:54