If you assumed Ella Purnell would become a gaming icon due to her appearances in titles like Fallout and Arcane, prepare for disappointment: she’s not a gamer herself and wants to move on from landing video game roles.
At MCM x EGX 2024, Popverse caught up with the actress who revealed her good fortune in securing the coveted roles of Lucy and Jinx in two highly acclaimed shows. However, she also candidly shared her lack of enthusiasm for exploring further opportunities in the world of video game adaptations.
Here’s the reality: as someone who doesn’t consider themselves a gamer, I take responsibility for stating that I’ve unexpectedly succeeded in developing two distinct online gaming formats, both of which have been well-received. Whatever mechanism brought this about remains unknown to me, yet it’s undeniable that it has happened. She replied, “I don’t know.” As her interest in Fallout’s narrative extended beyond the initial scripts, it became apparent that she had a prior affinity for gaming, albeit more casual than others, with her curiosity sparked by the franchise’s earlier assumptions.
I imply, she’s not flawed. While online game adaptations have witnessed a significant surge in quality across both animated and live-action formats in recent years, it’s still common to encounter subpar efforts, as exemplified by the widely panned Borderlands film released this summer. As Hollywood increasingly leverages video games as a rich source of content, it’s essential to recognize that not every adaptation will automatically succeed. It’s still surprising to us that Fallout Season One was so well done.
Actors who become too entrenched in playing roles within a specific genre or location may find themselves falling into the trap of typecasting, ultimately limiting their career prospects as opportunities dwindle. Purnell acknowledges the risk of being pigeonholed and aims to sidestep it; “I genuinely think I need to avoid video game adaptations from now on, lest I become forever typecast.” You’re set to become the renowned Online Gaming Icon! With more pressing concerns than those, perhaps,” said the actress with a hint of amusement. Meanwhile, her recent role in prominent TV series such as Yellowjackets and Sweetpea has showcased her versatility in bringing beloved characters from gaming’s most iconic worlds to life on screen.
Will you still think about this? It seems unlikely that Purnell is done with online game variations; Jinx may not be defeated by Arcane season 2’s events and could potentially appear in future League of Legends shows, while Prime Video’s Fallout (now filming its second season) will likely continue for a few more years. Don’t expect her to suddenly take on additional responsibilities like this without hesitation. Unlike many actors, I’m confident that no one else can claim to have headlined incredible video game adaptations.
