Apple TV+ has announced the greenlighting of “Lucky,” a limited series featuring Anya Taylor-Joy in a compelling lead role. The series, rooted in Marissa Stapley’s New York Times bestselling novel of the same name, promises to explore themes of crime, redemption, and the complexities of one’s past. Taylor-Joy, known for her acclaimed performances in projects like “The Queen’s Gambit” and “The Menu,” will not only star but also serve as an executive producer, ensuring that her artistic vision is represented. The character she portrays is a young woman who, despite leaving behind a life steeped in crime, finds herself needing to reconnect with those dark roots in a bid to liberate herself from her turbulent history.
The project solidifies Taylor-Joy’s status in both film and television, marking her return to the small screen since her breakout role in “The Queen’s Gambit,” which garnered significant accolades, including an Emmy nomination as well as Golden Globe and SAG Awards. This transition back to television with “Lucky” allows her to explore a new, complex character while showcasing her versatile acting range, particularly in narratives that delve into the depths of human experience. The synergy of her involvement as an executive producer and actress guarantees a strong creative impact on the series’ representation and storytelling.
The writing and production of “Lucky” are helmed by notable talent, with Jonathan Tropper taking on the roles of writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner. Known for his work on various acclaimed projects, Tropper’s involvement promises a solid narrative foundation. He will work in collaboration with Cassie Pappas, another industry talent known for contributions to series like “Silo.” The executive production team will also comprise Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter from Hello Sunshine, a company renowned for elevating female-led narratives in film and television. Additionally, Taylor-Joy is also producing the series through her own production label, Ladykiller, further solidifying the female-driven storytelling initiative.
“Lucky” fits into a growing list of collaborations between Apple TV+ and Hello Sunshine, which have produced several successful projects like “The Morning Show” and “The Last Thing He Told Me.” This partnership has illustrated a commitment to creating shows that focus on character-driven stories, often highlighting strong, multidimensional female leads. Furthermore, Taylor-Joy’s involvement with Apple TV+ extends beyond “Lucky,” as she is also set to appear in the upcoming original thriller film “The Gorge,” which revolves around operatives managing missions in a secretive setting. This further reinforces her alignment with Apple TV+ as a versatile talent who thrives in varying genres.
The anticipation surrounding “Lucky” is heightened by its connection to the literary source material, which has already captured the attention of readers. Adapting a bestselling novel carries the added pressure of meeting audience expectations while also delivering a fresh take that resonates with both fans of the book and new viewers. The fusion of Taylor-Joy’s star power, the expertise of Tropper and his team, and the backing of a reputable production company sets the stage for what could be a significant addition to Apple TV+’s lineup. This comprehensive approach to casting, producing, and directly engaging with compelling storytelling promises to enrich the viewing experience.
Set for release in 2025, “Lucky” stands poised to add to an exciting slate of programming from Apple TV+, a platform that continues to invest in high-quality, character-focused storytelling. The series represents a convergence of talent and creativity, setting up expectations for a compelling plot that explores the inner conflicts of its protagonist against the backdrop of her murky past. With a powerful lead in Anya Taylor-Joy and the collaboration of seasoned industry professionals, “Lucky” may well carve out its own niche in the ongoing evolution of streaming content, potentially making a significant cultural impact akin to its predecessors.