Anya Taylor-Joy Explains Why She Didn’t Train for “Lucky”’s ‘Considerable’ Running Scenes (Exclusive)

Apple TV+ has recently launched its new crime thriller series, “Lucky,” featuring the talented Anya Taylor-Joy in the lead role. The first two episodes became available for streaming on 15 July and have already garnered significant attention, especially for Taylor-Joy’s performance as a con artist navigating a dangerous path after a heist goes awry.

In “Lucky,” based on Marissa Stapley’s bestselling novel, Taylor-Joy portrays a character embroiled in chaos following a multi-million-pound robbery that leaves her on the run from both the FBI and other criminals. While preparing for the role, Taylor-Joy admits to having engaged in a “considerable” amount of running—although she stopped short of professional athletic training. Her character’s plight, however, demanded a physical portrayal that seemed real and relatable.

Speaking to PEOPLE, Taylor-Joy shared, “If you’re playing somebody that is highly skilled and efficient at whatever it is that they’re doing, then you of course want to train.” Nonetheless, she felt that for “Lucky,” a different approach was warranted. Director Jonathan van Tulleken encouraged her to depict a sense of urgency and grit, emphasising that her character was not a perfectly skilled assassin. “He wanted the audience to feel the stakes of this,” she explained, highlighting the intention behind her nuanced performance.

Throughout filming, Taylor-Joy’s initial desire to rigorously prepare for the physical demands of the role evolved into a realisation that her character’s struggle was key to her narrative. “This is a very bright woman, but who is literally getting by physically just by the skin of her teeth,” she elaborated. By the end of the production, she noted a marked improvement in her fitness, attributing her success more to a determined mindset than to conventional training.

The series also features a stellar ensemble cast, including Annette Bening, Timothy Olyphant, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Clifton Collins Jr., and Drew Starkey. Notably, “Lucky” marks Taylor-Joy’s debut as an executive producer, as well as her first miniseries project since her breakout role in “The Queen’s Gambit” in 2020. Since then, she has appeared in blockbusters such as “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” “Dune: Part Two,” and the animated “Super Mario” film.

In discussing the differences between film and television, Taylor-Joy remarked on the opportunities provided by limited series formats. “The sheer amount of hours that you are allowed with a character,” she noted, allows for a more in-depth exploration of storylines and character development. She believes that some narratives thrive in longer formats, benefiting from the time taken to “unpeel the onion,” thereby delivering richer storytelling.

Taylor-Joy remains steadfast in her approach to acting, regardless of the medium. “I never show up to work thinking I’m making a television show today or I’m making a movie,” she stated. Instead, she emphasises the importance of passion and dedication in her craft—characteristics she brings to every project she undertakes.

For viewers intrigued by character-driven storytelling, “Lucky” promises a gripping experience. With new episodes set to be released weekly every Wednesday until 19 August, audiences can anticipate further dramatic developments in this thrilling narrative. The series not only highlights Taylor-Joy’s evolving prowess as an actress but also allows her to flex her creative muscles as an executive producer, marking a new chapter in her already illustrious career.

As “Lucky” continues to unfold, fans can expect a blend of tension, character exploration, and the underlying theme of survival, as Taylor-Joy takes audiences on a rollercoaster ride filled with twists and turns. Streaming now on Apple TV+, the series is poised to captivate crime thriller enthusiasts and casual viewers alike, solidifying Taylor-Joy’s position as one of today’s leading talents in the entertainment industry.