Actress Ella Purnell’s breakthrough came with a supporting role in Tim Burton‘S The Island of the Special Children and experienced further success with the latest Prime Video hit Stand outBut her continued success in the mainstream doesn’t mean she’s not going to get involved in the indie space. At FanExpo Chicago, Purnell spoke to Collider’s Steve Weintraub about an upcoming film of hers that could “ruin” her career. Director: Craig RobertsPurnell described the film with the title The Scurryas “a horror comedy about killer squirrels.”

Purnell gave a sneak peek of the film in perhaps the best way she could imagine. She said she had “no idea” how the film will end and revealed that Roberts actively tries to subvert expectations. While everyone, including Purnell, thought that The Scurry should be like the British cult horror comedy Shaun of the DeadRoberts plans to make something more in line with the divisive metaphysical black comedy Beau is afraid. In their own words:

“I love Craig Roberts. I think he’s incredibly talented. If you don’t know him, you should know his work. He’s a funny guy. And (The Scurry) reads a little bit like Shaun of the Dead, but it’s not. He said, ‘I know everyone wants it to be like Shaun of the Dead, but I’m making it Beau is Afraid.’ And I said, ‘But it’s about killer squirrels.’ Somehow he pulled it off. Look, I have no idea how this movie is going to turn out. It’s either going to be the coolest thing ever or it’s going to ruin my career. But I think it’s going to be good. I have a lot of faith in him.”

Roberts will put his unique sensibility on “The Scurry”

Roberts first made a name for himself as an actor in the coming-of-age comedy-drama SubmarineHe made his directorial debut with the black comedy Only Jimin which he next Emile Hirsch. He followed with the 2019 film Eternal beautywith Sally Hawkins And David Thewlisand most recently director The Phantom of Opennesswith Mark Rylan.

Shaun of the Dead is a generation-defining film that not only Edgar Wrightcareer, but also introduced the world to the talents of Simon Pegg And Nick Frost. It’s bloody, hilarious and endlessly replayable; in other words, it’s nothing like Ari Aster‘S Beau is afraidwhere Joaquin Phoenix plays a bundle of nerves who embarks on a surreal odyssey to attend his mother’s funeral. Also starring Paapa Essiedu And Rhys Ifans, The hustle and bustleThe logline reads: “Chaos erupts in an eco-café when a horde of crazed squirrels seek revenge on staff and patrons. Two pest controllers are called in and forced to face the onslaught.”

The The film does not have a release date yet but stay tuned to Collider for further updates.

Shaun of the Dead

Release date

9 April 2004

director

Edgar Wright