From the very first scene of Apple TV+'s new crime thriller Lucky, viewers are strapped in for a chaotic ride—and that's before the jaw-dropping car crash that closes out the premiere. But what might surprise you is that star Anya Taylor-Joy had a cosmic connection to the story long before the series was greenlit. Author Marissa Stapley revealed she had Taylor-Joy in mind while writing the novel about a con artist on the run.
In an exclusive interview, Taylor-Joy and co-star Drew Starkey opened up about the show's most intense moments, including that harrowing stunt and the betrayal that sets everything in motion. The series, created by Jonathan Tropper (Your Friends & Neighbors) and Cassie Pappas, follows Luciana 'Lucky' Armstrong, a young woman who wakes up to find her new husband (Starkey) has vanished with their stolen millions, leaving her to face the FBI and the mob alone.
Taylor-Joy's Unexpected Role as Producer
Taylor-Joy didn't just star in Lucky—she also served as a producer, a role she says felt like a natural extension of her acting philosophy. 'I've never seen my performance as an isolated event,' she explained. 'I'm always a part of the whole.' This hands-on approach allowed her to shape everything from costume design to color grading, ensuring the world felt cohesive. 'I knew exactly the world I was inhabiting,' she added. 'It made my performance more complete.'
For a deeper dive into how the series balances thrills and heart, check out our review: Anya Taylor-Joy's 'Lucky' on Apple TV+: A Crime Thriller With a Split Personality.
Why Drew Starkey Was the Only Choice for Cary
Starkey's character, Cary, commits a devastating betrayal in the first episode, but Taylor-Joy knew he was the perfect actor for the role. 'I was watching Queer during Christmastime, and I called everyone immediately,' she recalled. 'I said, 'That is the guy. It has to be him.' She praised Starkey's ability to make a character who does 'a bad, bad thing' still likable and understandable. 'That wouldn't have been possible with someone you immediately cast as 'Bad boy. That's it.'
Starkey admitted the role was a challenge. 'You're constantly in a debate with yourself, trying to justify these actions,' he said. 'It felt so terrible leaving you. My heart broke.'
The 'Human Rotisserie' Car Crash Stunt
One of the most talked-about scenes is the car crash stunt, which Taylor-Joy performed herself. 'Is it terrible to say I had fun?' she laughed. The sequence, which she described as a 'human rotisserie,' involved the car flipping multiple times. 'It was intense, but the stunt team made it safe. I trusted them completely.'
If you're a fan of high-stakes thrillers, you might also enjoy TV Miniseries That Actually Live Up to the Hype: 7 Must-Watch Gems.
Lucky premieres on Apple TV+ this week, and if the first two episodes are any indication, it's going to be a wild ride. Taylor-Joy promises more twists ahead: 'Lucky is constantly adapting. She's a survivor, and that's what makes her so compelling.'
