Starz has acquired the U.S. and Canadian rights to the dark British series “Sweetpea,” starring Ella Purnell, known for her roles in “Yellowjackets” and “Fallout.” The series, originally ordered by UK broadcaster Sky in 2020, will air later this year.
“Sweetpea” follows the story of Rhiannon Lewis, portrayed by Purnell. Rhiannon is a young woman who goes largely unnoticed in her daily life. People pass her by without a second glance, she is repeatedly overlooked for promotions at work, the man she likes won’t commit, and her father is gravely ill. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when she reaches her breaking point and loses control. The once invisible wallflower transforms into a woman capable of anything, stepping into a new, intoxicating power. The series explores whether she can keep her newfound, deadly secret.
The series is produced by See-Saw Films and Patrick Walters’ Fanboy in association with Sky Studios. It also features a talented cast including Nicôle Lecky, Jon Pointing, Calam Lynch, Leah Harvey, Jeremy Swift, and Dustin Demri-Burns. “Sweetpea” is based on the 2017 novel by C.J. Skuse and has been adapted by Kirstie Swain, Krissie Ducker, Laura Jayne Tunbridge, and Selina Lim. Executive producers include Purnell, Swain, director Ella Jones, Manpreet Dosanjh, Patrick Walters, Helen Gregory, Iain Canning, and Emile Sherman. Zorana Piggott serves as the series producer.
Alison Hoffman, President of Domestic Networks at Starz, expressed excitement about the partnership with Ella Purnell and Sky Studios. She described “Sweetpea” as a “fresh, boundary-breaking story” and praised Purnell’s performance as a woman who finds her voice and claims her agency in devious and shocking ways.
“Sweetpea” marks a return to Starz for Purnell, who previously starred in the network’s drama “Sweetbitter.” She has since gained recognition for her roles in Showtime’s “Yellowjackets” and Amazon Prime Video’s “Fallout.”
The series description highlights Rhiannon Lewis as a character who initially makes little impression on those around her. Her life is filled with disappointments and unfulfilled desires until a series of events push her over the edge. As she loses control, Rhiannon’s life is transformed, and she discovers a new, intoxicating power. The series delves into whether she can maintain her killer secret as she navigates this newfound power.
The cast of “Sweetpea” includes Nicôle Lecky, Jon Pointing, Calam Lynch, Leah Harvey, Jeremy Swift, and Dustin Demri-Burns. The adaptation of C.J. Skuse’s novel has been crafted by Kirstie Swain, Krissie Ducker, Laura Jayne Tunbridge, and Selina Lim. Executive producers for the series include Swain, Purnell, director Ella Jones, Manpreet Dosanjh from Sky Studios, Patrick Walters from Fanboy, and Helen Gregory, Iain Canning, and Emile Sherman from See-Saw Films.
Alison Hoffman emphasized the thrilling nature of the darkly comedic tale of revenge, noting that viewers will be captivated by Ella Purnell’s performance as a woman who finds her voice and claims her agency in unexpected ways.
In addition to “Sweetpea,” Starz announced several new and returning series during the Television Critics Association press tour. Among the announcements was the greenlight for “Fat Joe Talks,” a 30-minute series hosted by hip-hop star Fat Joe. The show will feature conversations on a wide range of newsworthy topics, with Fat Joe traveling across the United States to meet cultural icons in their environments. The series is produced by Embassy Row, with Fat Joe, LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Philip Byron, Jamal Henderson, and Michael Davies serving as executive producers.
Starz also revealed new cast members for the upcoming spinoff “Spartacus: House of Ashur,” the latest series in the “Spartacus” universe. The cast includes Graham McTavish, Tenika Davis, Jamaica Vaughan, Ivana Baquero, Jordi Webber, Claudia Black, India Shaw-Smith, and Leigh Gill. Production for the series is currently underway in New Zealand.
Additionally, Starz released the trailer for its limited event series “Three Women,” based on the book by Lisa Taddeo. The series, which premieres on September 13, stars Betty Gilpin, DeWanda Wise, Shailene Woodley, Blair Underwood, Gabrielle Creevy, and Jason Ralph. “Three Women” offers a nuanced portrait of female desire through the compellingly raw and honest stories of three women.
“Sweetpea” is set to premiere in 2024 on Starz in the U.S. and Canada. The six-part series promises to be a thrilling and darkly comedic tale of revenge, with Ella Purnell delivering a captivating performance as Rhiannon Lewis.
Source: Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety
