Ella Purnell Movies and TV Shows – Complete Filmography and Roles

Ella Summer Reed Purnell, born September 17, 1996, in London, has evolved from a child actress in West End theatre to one of the most sought-after performers in contemporary television. Her career spans more than two decades, encompassing roles in independent films, major studio productions, and some of the most acclaimed series of recent years.

Throughout her journey, Purnell has demonstrated remarkable versatility, transitioning seamlessly between live-action drama, animation voice work, and genre projects. She first entered the public consciousness through her performance as the teenage version of Maleficent in the 2014 Disney production, but it is her recent work in prestige television that has solidified her reputation as a rising talent in the entertainment industry.

From her early beginnings in British cinema to her current status as a leading figure in streaming content, Purnell has built a filmography that reflects both artistic ambition and commercial appeal. Her roles in productions such as Yellowjackets, Fallout, and Arcane have positioned her at the forefront of contemporary television, earning her recognition from critics and audiences alike.

What Movies and TV Shows Has Ella Purnell Been In?

Key Career Insights

• Purnell began her career as a child actress in West End theatre before transitioning to film
• She has appeared in approximately 25 movies and television productions combined
• The actress has demonstrated remarkable range across drama, science fiction, horror, and animation
• Her profile rose significantly following her role in Amazon Prime’s Fallout in 2024
• Purnell frequently gravitates toward complex female characters with substantial narrative arcs
• Her work spans both traditional live-action and animated productions
• She has begun expanding her influence as an executive producer on recent projects

Career Snapshot

Ella Purnell’s Breakthrough TV Roles

While Purnell had accumulated significant film experience over the years, her transition to television marked the beginning of her most celebrated work. Three productions in particular have defined her current status in the industry: Yellowjackets, Fallout, and Arcane.

Yellowjackets: Jackie Taylor

The Showtime drama series, which premiered in 2021, features Purnell as Jackie Taylor, serving as a main cast member during the first season before transitioning to a recurring role in subsequent seasons. According to her Wikipedia profile, Jackie Taylor becomes a central figure in the narrative despite her character’s arc concluding in the first season.

The series explores the aftermath of a plane crash involving a high school girls’ soccer team, with Jackie serving as a team captain whose leadership qualities are tested under extreme circumstances. Although her character’s storyline reached its natural conclusion, her presence continues to influence the narrative through flashbacks and character memories.

Fallout: Lucy MacLean

Amazon Prime’s Fallout, which premiered in 2024, represents what sources describe as one of Purnell’s most successful projects. She portrays Lucy MacLean, the main character and a Vault Dweller living in underground bunkers in this post-apocalyptic drama based on the popular video game franchise.

The role required Purnell to embody a character navigating a harsh, post-nuclear wasteland while maintaining the optimistic worldview shaped by sheltered vault life. Her performance earned particular praise for balancing the character’s fish-out-of-water naivety with moments of steely determination.

Arcane: Jinx Voice Role

Netflix’s animated series Arcane, which ran from 2021 to 2024, showcases Purnell’s vocal range as she voices the character of Jinx, a main cast member throughout the series. According to Screen Rant, Arcane marked a significant departure from her live-action work, demonstrating her ability to bring dimension to animated characters.

The series, set in the world of League of Legends, received critical acclaim and numerous awards during its run. Purnell’s portrayal of Jinx, a complex character navigating trauma and loyalty, earned recognition from both fans and critics within the animation community.

Sweetpea: Executive Producer Role

The 2024 Starz series Sweetpea represents a milestone in Purnell’s career as she serves as both star and executive producer. The dark, twisted coming-of-rage series has been promoted through official Starz promotional materials, positioning it as a vehicle for her continued growth as a creative force in the industry.

Ella Purnell’s Movie Roles

Purnell’s film career began in earnest in 2010 with her debut in Never Let Me Go, a dystopian drama based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s acclaimed novel. She played Young Ruth, marking the beginning of what would become a diverse filmography spanning multiple genres.

Early Films (2010–2014)

Following her debut, Purnell appeared in a series of films that showcased her ability to handle emotionally demanding material. These included Ways to Live Forever (2010), Intruders (2011), and Kick-Ass 2 (2013), where she portrayed the character Dolce.

Her role as the teenage Maleficent in Disney’s 2014 production of the same name represented her first major studio appearance. Playing the younger version of Angelina Jolie’s iconic character, Purnell brought complexity to a role that would have been defined solely by Jolie’s performance. The same year, she starred as MacKenzie in Wildlike, a performance that earned her accolades at film festivals and marked early recognition of her talents.

Breakout Film: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

The 2016 Tim Burton production Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children marked a turning point in Purnell’s career. Portraying Emma Bloom, a character who can control air, she starred alongside Asa Butterfield and Eva Green in this fantasy adaptation based on Ransom Riggs’ novel.

According to Screen Rant, this role first brought Purnell to widespread prominence, establishing her as a capable lead in major studio productions.

Recent Film Work

Purnell’s subsequent film appearances have included roles in The Legend of Tarzan (2016), Churchill (2017), UFO (2018), and Army of the Dead (2021). In the Zack Snyder zombie heist film, she portrayed Kate Ward, a character who factors into the narrative’s more emotionally resonant moments.

A notable creative milestone came with Junk Male (2023), a short film in which Purnell not only starred as Decency ‘Dee’ DiMartini but also served as director, marking her first venture into filmmaking behind the camera.

Upcoming Projects for Ella Purnell

Purnell has confirmed involvement in several upcoming productions that will extend her reach across different formats and genres. According to current announcements, she has four projects in various stages of development.

Fallout Season 2

Production on the second season of Amazon Prime’s Fallout concluded in April 2025, having begun filming the previous November. Purnell will reprise her role as Lucy MacLean, with the season expected to premiere sometime between late 2025 and early 2026.

The Scurry

A horror-comedy film currently in development will feature Purnell alongside Rhys Ifans, Paapa Essiedu, and Antonia Thomas. Directed by Craig Roberts and written by Tim Telling, the premise centers on an unlikely group of people who must survive an onslaught of murderous squirrels.

While Purnell’s specific character role has not been confirmed, reports indicate she could potentially play a pest controller, moody teenager, vegan, or drug dealer. The film has no confirmed release date but could arrive in 2025 or 2026.

Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas

An animated prequel to Zack Snyder’s 2021 zombie heist film will bring Purnell back to the role of Kate Ward. This one-season Netflix series explores the origin of the virus and provides backstories for characters including Scott Ward (Dave Bautista), Maria Cruz (Ana de la Reguera), and Marianne Peters (Tig Notaro).

Arcane Season 2

Purnell will continue voicing Jinx in the long-awaited second season of the Netflix animated series, continuing her association with a production that garnered significant critical attention during its first run.

Career Timeline

Purnell’s journey from child performer to leading actress spans more than a decade of consistent work across multiple formats.

1. 2010: Film debut in Never Let Me Go as Young Ruth
2. 2014: Major studio breakthrough playing Teen Maleficent in Disney’s Maleficent; earned festival recognition for Wildlike
3. 2016: First prominent lead role as Emma Bloom in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
4. 2018: Appeared in BBC One’s Ordeal by Innocence
5. 2021: Joined Yellowjackets cast as Jackie Taylor; began voice work as Jinx in Arcane
6. 2024: Starred as Lucy MacLean in Fallout; premiered as executive producer and star of Sweetpea
7. 2025: Filming concluded on Fallout Season 2

What Information Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?

For readers seeking clarity on the reliability of available information, the following distinctions apply.

Understanding Ella Purnell’s Career Trajectory

Purnell’s career reflects a deliberate and strategic approach to project selection. Beginning in theatre, she transitioned to film work that emphasized character-driven narratives over commercial considerations. This foundation served her well as she moved into television, where her experience with complex roles allowed her to stand out in ensemble casts.

Her recent focus on leading television roles represents a natural evolution, with projects like Yellowjackets and Fallout offering the narrative depth and character development that have become hallmarks of prestige television. The decision to serve as executive producer on Sweetpea suggests an interest in expanding her creative influence beyond acting.

Her work in voice acting, particularly as Jinx in Arcane, demonstrates a versatility that distinguishes her from performers who rely solely on on-camera work. Animation requires a different skill set, and her ability to convey emotion without physical presence has opened additional opportunities in a format increasingly valued by streaming platforms. For those interested in how performers transition between different genres and platforms, her career trajectory offers a compelling case study in the broader landscape of film and television performers.

Sources and References

Information regarding Ella Purnell’s career has been compiled from verified sources including her official filmography on IMDb, encyclopedic entries on Wikipedia, and official announcements from production companies.

Purnell has built a career characterized by range and dedication, appearing in roles that span from independent cinema to major franchise productions.

• IMDb profile: Comprehensive credits listing
• Wikipedia: Encyclopedic reference with source citations
• Screen Rant: Industry news and project announcements
• Official streaming platform announcements

Summary

Ella Purnell has established herself as one of the most versatile performers working in contemporary television and film. Her career spans from early roles in British cinema to her current status as a leading actress in acclaimed series including Yellowjackets, Fallout, and Arcane. With multiple upcoming projects in development, including a second season of Fallout, her influence in the entertainment industry continues to grow. Her trajectory demonstrates both range and consistency, qualities that have earned her recognition as a rising talent in the broader landscape of film and television performers.

Frequently Asked Questions