Just on the brink of its debut, the Fallout TV series is under scrutiny. Ella Purnell steps up to address and counter some of the unwarranted feedback directed at the show.
The highly anticipated small-screen adaptation of the beloved Fallout game has finally arrived. Despite fans eagerly awaiting its release, the show has come under fire, especially for its perceived 'woke' elements and the choice to focus on a female lead character. Purnell, who plays Lucy, the central character of the series, has now spoken out about these criticisms, sharing her insights.
In an exclusive conversation with Refinery29 Australia, Purnell tackled the unfounded criticism surrounding the political aspects of both the game and the TV adaptation. She voiced her support and appreciation for the show's decision to center around a female lead. Criticism mainly revolved around these aspects, with some hastily labeling it as 'woke' due to these creative choices.
Purnell directly addressed the unjust criticism surrounding the political narrative of both the game and the TV series, stating, "Fallout is inherently a political game," emphasizing the profound societal analysis embedded in the game. She affirmed the show's commitment to this essence, insisting on maintaining a political narrative that mirrors the essence of the game. "I appreciate the reflection it casts on society and the blend of comedy," she explained. "They've truly captured the game's tone perfectly, blending comedy and drama. Humans tend to find humor and comedy as a coping mechanism for serious topics. That's my approach when discussing weighty matters - I sprinkle in a few jokes."
Addressing other critiques, Purnell lauded the show's choice to feature a female protagonist. While it might seem natural for the Fallout TV series to revolve around a female lead, the show has unfortunately faced unfair backlash. Purnell shared her admiration, stating, "I enjoy observing women in survival narratives, witnessing them delve into the depths of their capabilities in dire situations. Truly exploring the essence of survival - hunger, desperation, exhaustion. Women are not portrayed as put-together, flawless figures as depicted in earlier films." She noted the recent shift where women are depicted exploring the same emotional depths as men, remarking, "Seeing women exhibit violence and gore, unafraid to make tough decisions... Anything intelligent and somewhat political - and I believe Fallout encompasses all those aspects."
Purnell is no novice to video game adaptations and dystopian settings. Having previously been part of Netflix's League of Legends adaptation, Arcane, and portraying Jackie in the acclaimed series Yellowjackets, she brings a wealth of experience. However, she admits to feeling the pressure when working on adaptations, particularly those from well-established franchises. She acknowledges the weight of the responsibility and the significance of treating the source material with respect, especially with a monumental franchise like Fallout. Her goal is to pay homage to both the devoted fans of the series and the dedication of those involved in creating the games.
Fallout premieres exclusively on Prime Video on April 10th.