Rebel's career in the spotlight began on the Sydney stages in the early 2000s, where she showcased her talents as a writer and producer, often taking the lead in her own work. This early success led to a string of television shows in Australia, solidifying her position as the most prominent female voice in Australian comedy.
In 2008, Rebel made a significant milestone in her career by writing, producing, and starring in her own musical television series, Bogan Pride, for SBS. This accomplishment demonstrated her versatility and range as a performer.
Fast forward to 2010, Rebel made the bold move to relocate to the United States, where she landed a role in the cult classic film Bridesmaids. This marked a significant turning point in her career, as she began to gain international recognition.
Rebel's subsequent feature credits include the Academy Award-winning film Jojo Rabbit, Isn't It Romantic, How To Be Single, and The Hustle. Her most notable international role, however, is undoubtedly her portrayal of 'Fat Amy' in the Pitch Perfect trilogy, which have become the highest-grossing musical comedy films of all time.
In 2022, Rebel starred in the hit cheerleading comedy Senior Year on Netflix, which was watched by an astonishing 89 million unique Netflix accounts in its first ten days of release internationally. This achievement cemented her status as a global comedy superstar.
Rebel's literary pursuits also garnered significant attention, as her memoir Rebel Rising became a best-seller in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Rebel's connection to The Australian Theatre for Young People runs deep, as she is both an alumnus and patron of the organization. The Rebel Theatre, named after her, serves as the home base for the group in Sydney. The inaugural production in this theatre was a workshop production of The Deb, which originated from Wilson's annual scholarship program aimed at mentoring emerging young Australian talent.
Rebel has since adapted The Deb into a feature film, marking her directorial debut. She also co-wrote and produced the film, contributed to the songwriting, and co-starred as the town's villainous hairdresser, 'Janette'.
Looking ahead, Rebel will next be seen in the action comedy Bride Hard, alongside recent Oscar winner Da'Vine Joy Randolph, directed by Simon West.