![Starz Obtains Rights To Comedy Thriller ‘Sweetpea’ Starring Ella Purnell](https://television-b26f.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Starz_Logo_04-770x470.jpg)
![Starz Obtains Rights To Comedy Thriller ‘Sweetpea’ Starring Ella Purnell](https://television-b26f.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Starz_Logo_04-770x470.jpg)
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Starz has obtained the rights to the comedy thriller series Sweetpea. The network landed the rights for both the U.S. and Canada for the British series, which stars Ella Purnell (Fallout) as a quiet young woman who gets a taste for murder. Starz plans to premiere Sweetpea on its network later this year.
The series is based on the 2017 novel of the same name by author C.J. Skues (Dead Head). Kirstie Swain (Pure) adapted the novel for the series and will also executive produce. Sweetpea from See-Saw Films, Fanboy and Sky Studios is set to air on Sky Atlantic in the U.K.
“We’re excited to partner again with Ella Purnell and Sky Studios on such a fresh, boundary-breaking story,” said Alison Hoffman (Significant Other), president of domestic networks at Starz. “This darkly comedic tale of revenge is sure to thrill viewers, as is Ella’s performance as a woman who finds her voice and claims her agency in ways that are devious and shocking.”
As per The Hollywood Reporter, the description for the series reads, “Rhiannon Lewis doesn’t make much of an impression — people walk past her in the street without a second glance. She’s continually overlooked for a promotion at work, the guy she likes won’t commit, and her dad is really, really sick. Then everything in her life turns upside down. Rhiannon is pushed over the edge and loses control. Suddenly the wallflower is gone, and in its place is a young woman capable of anything. Rhiannon’s life transforms as she steps into anew, intoxicating power, but can she keep her killer secret?”
The series cast includes Purnell as Rhiannon Lewis, Tim Samuels (Empire of Light) as Phil, Jon Pointing (Big Boys) as Craig, Dino Kelly (Peaky Blinders) as Marcus, Leah Harvey as Marina, Elliot Cable (Taking on Skin) as Shaun, Lucy Heath (Trying) as Lucille and many others.
Sweetpea will mark Purnell’s return to Starz, who starred on Sweetbitter on the network.