Ella Purnell joins Nicholas Galitzine in Steven Soderbergh thriller 'The Return of Stanley Atwell'

Ella Purnell joins Nicholas Galitzine in new thriller 'The Return of Stanley Atwell' from Steven Soderbergh

Ella Purnell, the British actress known for her leading roles in "Fallout," "Sweetpea" and "Yellowjackets," has signed on to star alongside Nicholas Galitzine in the upcoming thriller "The Return of Stanley Atwell."

The film comes from Hera Pictures, the Oscar-nominated production company behind "Hamnet," and is co-produced with John Gore Studios. Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steven Soderbergh serves as executive producer and provided the original story that inspired the project.

Written and directed by Brian Welsh, whose credits include "Beats" and "Black Mirror," the film marks his second collaboration with Soderbergh following their acclaimed debut "Beats." It also reunites Welsh with Hera Pictures founder Liza Marshall after their work on the BBC drama "What It Feels Like for a Girl."

The story follows Stanley Atwell, played by Galitzine, the presumed dead son and heir to Lord Atwell's title and fortune, who unexpectedly returns to the family estate after escaping a decade of mysterious captivity. His shocking reappearance throws the household into chaos as his sister Beatrice fights to claim his inheritance.

Purnell portrays Pamela, a close friend who manipulates Stanley's puzzling return and a dark family secret in an attempt to seize control of the Atwell fortune. According to the synopsis, "sex, passion, backstabbing and betrayal wreak havoc across the estate as the lies and deception the Atwell name has been built upon start to unravel."

"Ella has an incredible ability to move between vulnerability, humour and danger," Welsh said. "She's a wonderfully versatile actor and I'm thrilled to have her joining Nicholas."

Marshall added: "Ella is a remarkable talent whose performances are consistently both mercurial and deeply affecting. We're thrilled she's leading the film alongside Nicholas."

Filming is scheduled to begin soon in the United Kingdom and Malta. Protagonist Pictures will handle international sales, with WME Independent co-repping U.S. rights.

Purnell continues her busy run, currently starring in season two of "Fallout" on Amazon Prime Video, with season two of "Sweetpea" due later this year.