Rebecca Ferguson started her career in the Swedish soap opera Nya Tider, but it wasn’t until her breakout role in 2013 did she rise to mainstream Hollywood notoriety. Ferguson’s portrayal of Queen Elizabeth Woodville in The White Queen earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film. The actress’ resume is impressive — having proven time and again that she is more than capable of playing a wide range of roles, from period pieces to action, science fiction, and horror. Her latest performance in the new adaptation of Dune, as Lady Jessica Atreides, has earned her heaps of praise.
Ferguson is set to return for Dune: Part II. She is also currently working on the series adaptation of Hugh Howey’s Wool. While she's busy, there is plenty of time to catch up on the actress’ filmography.
'The Greatest Showman' (2017)
This musical biopic was inspired by the life of P.T. Barnum, an ambitious visionary, who opens a museum that eventually turns into a circus, showcasing “freak” performers with eclectic and unique talents. Ferguson plays the "Swedish Nightingale," Jenny Lind.
A good portion of the movie revolves around the infatuation that Barnum (Hugh Jackman) had developed for the opera singer, as she helps raise his public profile with the aristocratic patrons. Although her vocals were not used in The Greatest Showman, Ferguson’s acting throughout the film proves that her talents precede any setbacks that may have arisen.
'Doctor Sleep' (2019)
If you’re into psychological horror with a frightening villain you love to hate, Doctor Sleep may be your cup of tea. Ferguson plays Rose the Hat, the cult leader of the group called The True Knot. She is a dangerously beautiful woman who feeds on the life force of people who posses the psychic ability known as The Shining, to prolong her life and the others within the cult.
The movie centers around now-grown Danny Torrance (Ewan McGregor), and Abra Stone (Kyleigh Curran), a young girl who has strong psychic energy. Her ability makes her the new target for the True Knot’s attempt to “eat well, and stay young.” Ferguson’s ability to play a chilling, yet magnetic cult leader, who shows no remorse or empathy, showcases the extent of the actress’s talent and range.
'Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation' (2015)
Enjoy action-packed thrillers like Die Hard, The Mummy, or Lara Croft? Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation is the movie for you. Ferguson plays a disavowed MI6 agent who may or may not be a part of the new growing threat of highly skilled operatives — The Syndicate.
The movie focuses on Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team as they race against time to stop a series of terrorist attacks. But as the movie progresses, audiences can’t help but go in search of the new leading lady who manages to steal scenes and kicks ass, all while remaining a mystery.
'The Red Tent' (2014)
Let’s rewind back to the time of the Old Testament with the retelling of Dinah’s life. The story focuses mainly on the significance of The Red Tent – the traditions, and turmoils that the women of the tribe shared. Rebecca Ferguson takes up the titular role of Dinah, embodying the struggles she went through from her youth to adulthood.
It’s not easy to portray characters with such a complex and emotionally taxing storyline, but Ferguson was able to capture the essence of Dinah and deliver a heartfelt performance.
'The White Queen' (2013)
A historical drama in one of the most dramatic and tempestuous times in English history. With the House of York and the House of Lancaster fighting to be the true king of England, young Edward IV, heir to the House of York, falls madly in love with Elizabeth Woodville, a Lancastrian commoner.
Rebecca Ferguson takes on the lead role of Elizabeth Woodville. As the series unfolds, audiences are shown how Elizabeth, Margaret Beaufort (Amanda Halle), and Anne Neville (Faye Marsay) respectively scheme, manipulate, and seduce their way to the throne in the name of power.
'Mission Impossible: Fallout' (2018)
Mission Impossible: Fallout takes place two years after Solomon Lane (Sean Harris), the leader of The Syndicate, was captured. Ethan Hunt and the IMF, along with the help of CIA assassin August Walker (Henry Cavill), race against time to stop a nuclear disaster. Rebecca Ferguson reprises her role as Ilsa Faust, helping Hunt track down the plutonium The Apostles have stolen.
Although Ferguson may not have as many scenes in the latest installment of the Mission Impossible franchise, she once again proves that she is more than capable of matching Tom Cruise’s stamina and stunt complexities.
'Dune' (2021)
It is the year 10191: Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and his family, the House Atreides, are thrust into war and conflict. As the noble family travel to one of the most dangerous and inhospitable planets in the galaxy, Arrakis, to protect the most valuable and exclusive resource in existence, only those who can conquer their deepest fears and their enemies can survive.
Rebecca Ferguson plays Lady Jessica, Paul’s Bene Gesserit mother and consort to Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac). Although Ferguson doesn’t have many scenes throughout the two-and-a-half-hour movie, whenever she is on the screen she’s able to captivate the audience and display the essence of Lady Jessica to the fullest.
'Wool' (TBD)
Wool is an upcoming sci-fi series written by Hugh Howey. It takes place in a ruined post-apocalyptic world where the outside air is too toxic and deadly for humans to roam around. The remnants of humanity live in an underground silo consisting of 144 floors, with its inhabitants under strict regulations said to have been set in place as a way to protect them. Wool is a story about finding the truth, and the length people would take to further their agenda.
As each character is put to the test, they must decide whether it's better to keep the truth hidden, or challenge the system and face the consequences that come along with it. Ferguson is set to play the titular role of Juliette Nichols, a hard-working and skilled mechanic who gets thrown into the world of politics. As the story continues, Juliette stumbles onto information that makes her question the very existence of the regulations that have been put in place on the people living in the silo. It’ll be very interesting to see how Ferguson will portray the character, as viewers have seen her in roles like Ilsa Faust where her stamina is put to the test, but also when needed she’s able to bring the emotional aspects of a character as seen in The Greatest Showman and Reminiscence.