Anya Taylor-Joy is back on our screens, but this time she's trading her chessboard for a con artist's hat. After her breakout role in The Queen's Gambit, Taylor-Joy is now starring in Apple TV's Lucky, a series that marks her return to the small screen with a very different kind of leading lady. In this piece, we'll explore why this role is a refreshing change of pace for the actress and what it means for her career.
A Con Artist's Tale
In Lucky, Taylor-Joy plays the titular character, a reformed con artist who finds herself on the run from a dangerous mob leader. The show, produced by Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine, is based on Marissa Stapley's 2021 novel of the same name. Witherspoon herself called Taylor-Joy to produce the series, recognizing her potential to bring something unique to the story. This collaboration showcases Witherspoon's keen eye for talent and her commitment to supporting diverse and compelling narratives.
Taylor-Joy's portrayal of Lucky is a departure from her previous roles, particularly her action hero turn in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. She explains that her previous characters were often the best in their field, which provided a certain level of protection in their sequences. However, Lucky demanded a different approach, with Taylor-Joy describing the role as "sloppy" and requiring her to "bounce off the walls." This new challenge allowed her to explore a different side of her acting abilities and, as she puts it, "run through all of California."
A Star-Studded Supporting Cast
Lucky also features a talented supporting cast, including Drew Starkey as Taylor-Joy's husband and Annette Bening as a dangerous mob leader. Starkey, who was asked by Taylor-Joy herself to play the part, describes her as an "incredible leader" who leads with love and respect. He praises her hard work and ability to make the set light and enjoyable, despite the demanding nature of the role. Bening, a seasoned actress known for her roles in American Beauty and The Shawshank Redemption, adds a layer of menace to the show, creating a compelling dynamic with Taylor-Joy.
A Refreshing Return to TV
Taylor-Joy's return to TV after The Queen's Gambit is a welcome change of pace. She expresses her joy at having the opportunity to spend more time with the characters and explore the story in greater depth. With seven hours of screen time, Lucky allows for a more nuanced and complex portrayal of Lucky, as opposed to the two-hour format of a typical film. This extended format also enables the show to delve into the supporting characters and their relationships, adding depth to the narrative.
Conclusion
Anya Taylor-Joy's role in Lucky is a testament to her versatility as an actress. Her ability to transform into a con artist, a leader, and an action hero showcases her range and talent. As she continues to explore different roles and genres, Taylor-Joy is solidifying her place as one of the most exciting and dynamic actors of her generation. With her recent success and the promise of more diverse roles, Taylor-Joy is undoubtedly one to watch in the years to come.
