Ella Purnell, the vibrant star of Amazon Prime Video’s “Fallout,” sees a strong reflection of herself in her character, Lucy MacLean. The show’s success, especially as it prepares to launch its second season, highlights Purnell’s ability to convey optimism even in the bleakest situations. During a promotional visit to Sydney, she expressed how Lucy’s unwavering spirit aligns closely with her own tendency to find silver linings, despite their vastly different backgrounds.
Purnell’s journey to this role is remarkable. While Lucy navigates a post-nuclear wasteland, Purnell has a different story, having grown up as a child actor in Hollywood, portraying younger versions of major stars like Keira Knightley and Angelina Jolie. She vividly recalls the small, pivotal lessons learned on set, stating, “I always wanted it to be the movie version of life… but I think it was the tiny, micro lessons along the way,” that shaped her growth.
In her first major lead role in the 2018 series “Sweetbitter,” Purnell showcased her ongoing quest for identity, followed by her compelling performance in “Yellowjackets,” where she portrayed Jackie, a character grappling with the harsh realities of survival. Her portrayal of Lucy in “Fallout” further challenges her as she embodies a character that strives to maintain hope amidst chaos. The show’s narrative, set two centuries post-nuclear holocaust, follows Lucy as she embarks on a dangerous quest to rescue her kidnapped father, teaming up with various intriguing characters along the way.
The anticipation for “Fallout” has been palpable, especially after its initial success, which saw it become Amazon Prime Video’s second-largest show shortly after its April release, garnering over 65 million views within 16 days. Critics have lauded it for its writing and production quality, with the series receiving three Emmy nominations, cementing its status as a significant player in the realm of video game adaptations.
Purnell’s connection to the character is profound, revealing how Lucy teaches her valuable lessons about kindness. “It’s not a weakness to be nice,” she reflects, adding depth to her understanding of human dynamics, especially amid adversity.
As the second season unravels, Lucy will face new revelations about Vault-Tec and her father’s connection to it, challenging her previous beliefs. Purnell emphasizes that Lucy’s journey resonates with universal themes of identity and morality, illustrating the complexities of navigating a world rife with gray areas, rather than black and white choices.
With a remarkable rise in her popularity, Purnell has embraced her newfound recognition, aiming to continue producing compelling narratives. Her recent project, “Sweetpea,” where she stars as Rhiannon Lewis—a woman who finds her strength through dark means—highlights her versatility and dedication to thought-provoking storytelling.
Purnell’s journey reflects a hopeful narrative, illustrating how embracing challenges and maintaining kindness can create meaningful connections amidst life’s unpredictable events. With her trajectory pointing towards greater success, both in her career and personal growth, Purnell continues to carve out a unique space in the entertainment industry.