Annette Bening Explains Why Her “Lucky” Role ‘Feels New to Me’ 40 Years Into Her Career (Exclusive)

**Annette Bening Takes on a Complex Role in Apple TV’s Thriller ‘Lucky’**

Annette Bening, the acclaimed actress with a career spanning over four decades, has taken on a role that marks a significant departure from her previous characters. In Apple TV’s new thriller *Lucky*, Bening portrays Priscilla Masterson, a crime boss embroiled in a web of moral complexities and personal dilemmas. The 68-year-old actress expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating that she found a wealth of contradictions within the character, making the experience both engaging and fulfilling.

Describing Priscilla’s intricate dynamics, Bening remarked, “It feels new to me to play a woman of my age, who’s in this dilemma, who still feels under the thumb of this guy she has felt under the thumb of her entire life.” She refers to the character’s challenging relationship with Wayne Whittaker, played by William Fichtner. Priscilla’s past is marked by poor choices and a history of adverse experiences, further complicating her motivations as she navigates the turbulent criminal landscape.

*Lucky* is adapted from Marissa Stapley’s bestselling novel and follows the titular character, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, as her multi-million-pound heist goes awry, leading her to face both the FBI and the menacing Priscilla Masterson. The cast also features notable names such as Timothy Olyphant and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, alongside Drew Starkey, who plays Priscilla’s son and Lucky’s love interest, Cary.

Bening elaborated on Priscilla’s character, describing her as someone who possesses a “borders on sociopathic” nature. This complexity allows for a nuanced portrayal that Bening found particularly intriguing. “I hope you see that there are other parts of her. She loves her son and wants the best for him, but then she’s also someone who’s willing to do really horrible things to him and use him in a way,” she reflected. This duality presents a challenging yet rewarding opportunity for the actress, allowing her to explore the depths of her character’s psyche.

Despite Priscilla’s intimidating exterior and vengeful intentions toward Lucky, Bening asserts that the character is fundamentally “terrified.” She comments on the complexities of their relationship, stating, “It’s like she wants everything from Lucky, but she also really admires her and kind of feels intimidated by her.” This admiration, tinged with envy, propels Priscilla’s actions as she lashes out in an attempt to seize what she lacks—success and recognition that she believes Lucky possesses.

The journey to bring *Lucky* to life has been an intriguing one for Bening, particularly after her time portraying Beulah Jackson, a ranch owner in another project. She noted the stylish aesthetic of *Lucky*, saying, “It sounded like it was going to have a very stylish bent. It’s about what’s around you and how it’s going to be fashioned around you.” The opportunity to collaborate with renowned talents like Anya Taylor-Joy and Timothy Olyphant also added to her excitement about the project.

Anya Taylor-Joy, who plays the lead, shared her appreciation for working alongside Bening, acknowledging the invaluable experience she gained from their scenes together. “Anytime we did a scene, I was always reminded, oh yeah, Annette Bening, the GOAT,” she commented, highlighting the respect she holds for her veteran co-star.

*Lucky* promises to be a captivating addition to Apple TV’s lineup, with its first two episodes set to premiere on July 15. Subsequent episodes will be released weekly, with the story unfolding across several weeks. As audiences prepare to delve into this compelling narrative, Bening’s portrayal of the complex Priscilla Masterson stands out as an exemplary showcase of her talents, reinforcing her status as one of cinema’s most respected figures.

In a time when diverse and multi-dimensional characters are increasingly celebrated, Annette Bening’s role in *Lucky* represents a significant evolution in her multifaceted career. This new venture not only highlights her enduring talent but also invites viewers to engage with characters that resonate on both emotional and psychological levels.