Annabelle Wallis Discusses Her Career, Peaky Blinders What-Ifs and Possible James Wan Reunion

Actor Annabelle Wallis has opened up about her diverse career path, touching on her cultural roots, her time on the hit series *Peaky Blinders*, and a potential future collaboration with director James Wan. Born in Oxford and raised primarily in Portugal, Wallis shared how her unique background initially created challenges with casting directors who struggled to place her outside of conventional period drama expectations. However, her career shifted dramatically when she landed a breakout role in television.

At the end of 2013, Wallis debuted as undercover Irish cop Grace Burgess in the first season of *Peaky Blinders*. Posing as a barmaid, her character became caught between her assignment and her growing feelings for Birmingham gangster Tommy Shelby, eventually becoming the love of his life. Although the first season was critically well-received without immediately becoming a massive ratings juggernaut, it cemented Wallis as a fan favorite.

Wallis noted that her character was killed off at the start of season three in 2016, a heartbreaking moment for fans as Tommy Shelby's newly minted wife. While creator Steven Knight did not know the show would eventually become a global phenomenon on Netflix, Wallis revealed that Knight has expressed regret over the decision. According to Wallis, Knight admitted that had he known how deeply audiences would long for the dynamic between Grace and Tommy over the years, he might have handled the narrative differently, though she did return as an apparition in season five.

Following her initial success on television, Wallis transitioned into major film projects, leading the horror film *Annabelle*, which grossed $257 million against a modest $6.5 million budget and sparked a massive cinematic universe. Her ability to work alongside prominent leading men, including Tom Cruise, Russell Crowe, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Cillian Murphy, became a defining aspect of her career. Wallis attributes this to her upbringing, explaining that she actively works to connect with the core humanity of her co-stars rather than being intimidated by their larger-than-life personas.

Her professional relationship with Russell Crowe later led to roles in projects like Showtime's *The Loudest Voice*. It was her performance in another film, however, that caught the attention of director James Wan, who cast her as the lead in his cult horror hit *Malignant* during the pandemic era.

Reflecting on her career choices and ongoing industry relationships, Wallis teased that fans might see her reunite with Wan in the near future. She revealed that Wan recently reached out via message, telling her to watch this space for an upcoming announcement. As she promotes her latest work in *Unabomber*, Wallis continues to navigate a versatile acting path defined by unexpected turns and enduring connections with key filmmakers.

The celebrated actor continues to reflect on the defining moments of her career, from early casting hurdles to iconic television and horror roles that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.